E23: A Crisis of Mental Health & Addiction w/ Sergeant Duane Benton

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. 

www.teamhcso.com - Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

www.baynews9.com - News story about the Behavioral Resources Unit

www.teamhcso.com - Project Safe Encounter

www.tpoftampa.com

www.thepointisrecoverypodcast.com

www.facebook.com/TurningPointofTampa

www.twitter.com/TurningPointTPA

www.instagram.com/turningpointtpa

www.youtube.com/user/TurningPointofTampa

www.linkedin.com/company/turning-point-of-tampa-inc

www.facebook.com/ThePointisRecoveryPodcast

www.instagram.com/thepointisrecoverypodcast