By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – For the past ten years, local police and mental health officials have met once a month to talk about the collision between law and the mentally ill. But this week a two-day conference in Buffalo will gather 90 professionals from across the country to look for a more coordinated and effective response for dealing with one of our most vulnerable populations.
Ending up on the wrong side of the law would be a horrible experience for most people. But for the mentally ill, it could be devastating. Phil Endress is Erie County Commissioner of Mental Health. He said it is important for police to realize that mentally ill people are usually not criminals, just very fearful.
Presenters from as far away as Memphis will present strategies and information to help police officers become more sensitive and effective.
Douglas Fabian is Executive Director of Crisis Services in Buffalo. He said part of the challenge is convincing officers that the extra training can also make their jobs easier.
In addition to the training, Endress said the conference aims to develop strategies and a model for better police response. The work augments recent efforts by a team of local law enforcement, court and mental health officials who are looking for alternatives to the high levels of incarceration.
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