Region F Desert Cities Unit Report

Cost:  FREE

Who:  All social workers, allied professionals and interested community members are encouraged to attend.

In recent years, the media has begun to highlight the numerous negative interactions between officers and civilians in not only the community but prisons and jails as well. Often later it is discovered that many of these civilians engaging in negative interactions with law enforcement have a mental illness. These numerous interactions have led to the severe overcrowding of penal facilities nationwide, many of which are filled with inmates in need mental health services.

This collaborative presentation by Nashira Funn LCSW, doctoral candidate and Officer Ryan Tillman (Chino Police Department) provides valuable information from Ms. Funn’s groundbreaking research regarding the impact of law enforcements’ knowledge on interactions with people with mental illness.

This study included interviewing law enforcement from numerous agencies located in Southern California. Officer Tillman presents the research results from an officer perspective and provides insight into the mind of an officer by describing real life situations he has encountered with mentally ill persons and the factors that influence officer decision-making. He will present his personal experience with mental illness as an officer as well as his training, etc. He will present real life situations to the participants as well as provide demonstrations and interactive role-play with audience participation.

The duo concludes their presentation with real life innovative, collaborative solutions they are currently implementing in their community such as community-based group workshops and presentations to raise awareness for mental health and interacting with officers as well as a new program they will implement in local public and private schools.