Ernie & Joe

*Spirit of compassion* meets *truly knowing what it's like* - a powerful model for how a culture might actually help terribly misunderstood and stigmatized people.

If you care about people with mental illness, and are sick of the lip service given to reforming the system, watch this. Really.

Interesting to a watch a film that documents one of the first units in law enforcement to recognize and treat mental illness. If others follow suite, we may just have a viable means to countering senseless gun violence. Quite the leap but it starts here. I hope this gathers the attention and demand it's worthy of.

This film is real. It addresses real problems and real people. The current situation throughout much of the country in police interactions with mental health consumers is often tragic. In San Antonio, the SAPD has committed to a better way. This solution-based film offers a path to better outcomes for people in need.

Had opportunity to preview film. Exceptionally done. Kudos to director, producers, & staff in the filming of this powerful story about policing from a mental health perspective versus a law enforcement perspective. I also thought it was a more compelling story in that not only do you "ride along" with Ernie & Joe as the respond to mental health calls but also share their own personal story of upbringing, childhood, adulthood, joining the force, then in many respects becoming the first MH officers in the SA area. A widely successful diversion program, recognized as a national model. Highly recommend!

This film will give you hope. It should be mandatory viewing for all decision makers regarding police training and mental healthcare.