Police Officers and Their Interactions with the Mentally Ill

Everyone is subject to interacting with police – whether one has a mental illness or not. The police, of course, are there to keep us safe and enforce the rule of law. However, when you live with mental illness, police have another function: first responder. In this episode, Gabe & Michelle discuss how people living with mental illness feel about the role of police in our care. Listen Now! Highlights from ‘Police’ Episode [2:50] The story of Pamela Turner, a schizophrenic woman shot by police officers in Texas. [5:30] The story of Debra Danner, a schizophrenic woman shot by police in the Bronx. [7:00] Gabe helps train police officers. [10:40] Is there a better way for police officers to help people with mental illness? [16:00] It’s an Us vs. Them mentality. [18:30] Politicians don’t seem to want to help the mentally ill people they blame for gun violence. [21:00] Should mental health care be free for the greater good?