Police officers consistently encounter the criminal and non-criminal impacts of drug use and mental illness: disruptive behavior, overdoses, homelessness. Providing treatment and behavioral health services is not part of the traditional core mission of law enforcement, but some law enforcement agencies across the nation are launching innovative PAD programs that rely on partnerships with community-based organizations to create pathways to behavioral health, housing, and other social supports, so that individuals can get the services they need. These programs are experiencing promising results: crime reduction, improved community-police relations, reduction of the treatment burden on the justice system, restored lives and families, and jurisdictional cost savings.

This webinar:

• Webinar Provides a national overview of PAD
• Describes the five primary models currently in practice
• Covers the eight questions to be asked prior to starting your jurisdiction’s PAD initiative
• Shares key tips for establishing and maintaining partnerships between law enforcement and behavioral health and social service providers
• Introduces the Police, Treatment & Community Collaborative, a newly established national coalition of law enforcement and behavioral health practitioners and researchers tasked with advancing PAD goals, successes, and research

Panelists:

• Jac Charlier, National Director for Justice Initiatives, Center for Health and Justice at TASC, Chicago, IL
• Gregory A. Frost, President, Civil Citation Network, Tallahassee, FL

Handouts:

Panelist Bios
PowerPoint Slides (PDF)
Webinar and Q&A Transcript

The nation’s opioid epidemic and a growing recognition of the impact of mental health issues are causing a shift in the way law enforcement responds to individuals suffering from addiction and mental illness.  While it is not part of the core mission of law enforcement to provide treatment and behavioral health services, many are finding that by partnering with organizations that are equipped to meet these challenges, substantial strides can be made to address substance use and mental health issues within their communities.

This webinar provides information on how law enforcement can build relationships with behavioral health organizations to address community drug problems as well as treatment alternatives for mentally ill individuals.

Presenters will discuss:

• How the opioid crisis and overdose deaths led to current partnerships and Cape Cod’s Overdose Intervention Program (OIP);
• Why the OIP has grown in the greater community and how it elevated community policing; and
• Lessons learned about the benefits of working together in the community, including:
  • a reduction in the number of overdose-related deaths,
  • changing attitudes about the stigma attached to addiction, and
  • the improvement of relations between law enforcement and the community

Panelists:

• Jac Charlier, National Director for Justice Initiatives, Center for Health and Justice at TASC, Chicago, IL
• Gregory A. Frost, President, Civil Citation Network, Tallahassee, FL

Handouts:

Panelist Bios
PowerPoint Slides (PDF)
Webinar and Q&A Transcript

Since announcing their Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in 2015, including a community-wide adoption of Housing First, Milwaukee County is on the verge of being the largest county in the nation to hit functional zero for chronic homelessness later this year.  Part of the success is due to an innovative partnership with local law enforcement, including the Milwaukee Police Department.  By implementing new pre- and post-booking strategies, to include a focus on permanent housing instead of arrests for homeless individuals, Milwaukee County has seen a dramatic reduction in criminal justice activity for the homeless population.

Facilitated by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, this webinar will provide attendees with an overview of the Housing First approach to providing housing and support services to homeless individuals, including individuals with mental illness and behavioral health issues who are involved or at risk of involvement with the justice system.  Presenters will explain the importance of providing stable housing and services as a platform from which people can pursue personal goals, such as seeking and participating in the treatment and social services provided in tandem with pre-arrest diversion programs.

Attendees will learn about Milwaukee’s successful Housing First program, including how housing navigators and law enforcement have worked together to reduce arrests, and how to access housing resources locally through the homeless services system.

Panelists:

• Kim Keaton, Director of Data and Analytics, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Washington, DC
• Cassandra Libal, Lieutenant, Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee, WI
• James Mathy, Housing Administrator, Milwaukee County Housing Division, Milwaukee, WI

Handouts:

Panelist Bios

PowerPoint Slides (PDF)