JUL 14, 2021 – Check out these facts affecting people in the United States:
- Seventeen out of every 10,000 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2019
- In 2020 in Hillsborough County, Florida, 2,741 people experienced a mental health crisis that resulted in a Baker Act
- 1 in 4 law enforcement uses of deadly force are against the mentally ill
These people represent a cross-section of America and include people from every family status, gender category, and racial/ethnic group. Law Enforcement officials often interact with those experiencing chronic homelessness and chronic mental illness and the mere sight of a uniform can be intimidating.
We have a systemic problem in our country and law enforcement officials are working to find solutions. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is leading the way in these efforts with the announcement of a new unit last summer. Join us on today’s episode as we speak with Sergeant Duane Benton to learn more about the Behavioral Resources Unit.
