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Lots of folks talk about "people in mental health crises" in the abstract when arguing why we need to divest from police and invest in alternatives, so let me put a human face on it.
I have had the cops called on me while I was in a mental health crisis.
I have had the cops called on me while I was in a mental health crisis.
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder my senior year of college. I, like many people with my diagnosis, struggled to find medication that balanced the highs and lows. I also struggled to stick to my meds - a common challenge for folks, especially in their first few years.
Back when I drank, mixing alcohol with my medication was like kind of like spinning a roulette wheel.
One night, I had too many drinks and experienced what's called a "bipolar blackout." I was walking in public, shouting, and physically pushing people away.
Sound familiar?
One night, I had too many drinks and experienced what's called a "bipolar blackout." I was walking in public, shouting, and physically pushing people away.
Sound familiar?
I don't know who called the police. I don't blame them. Who else would they call?
I'll admit I don't remember all the details, but I do know that by the time the officers arrived, things had already been de-escalated. My partner and I were headed home.
I was still arrested.
I'll admit I don't remember all the details, but I do know that by the time the officers arrived, things had already been de-escalated. My partner and I were headed home.
I was still arrested.
I remember the officer refusing to listen to my partner say he was fine. I remember being surrounded by half a dozen other cops while he reiterated that we just wanted to go home.
My public defender later informed me the officers "probably had a holiday weekend quota to meet."
My public defender later informed me the officers "probably had a holiday weekend quota to meet."
I think about how differently that interaction would've gone if I were not a white woman. Or if I hadn't had my partner - a white man - there sticking up for me. Or if I had still been in crisis when they arrived.
I think about the fact I was released with no charges every single day. All while dozens of other women with the same story as me were charged, fined, etc.
I think about how we were criminalized for being in crisis and how ill-equipped police were to do anything but arrest us.
I think about how we were criminalized for being in crisis and how ill-equipped police were to do anything but arrest us.
I don't think I've ever spoken publicly about my arrest or the circumstances that led to it.
Moving money away from police - who openly admit they are ill-equipped to handle mental health crises - and giving it to mental health responders is the absolute bare minimum.
Moving money away from police - who openly admit they are ill-equipped to handle mental health crises - and giving it to mental health responders is the absolute bare minimum.
Hey y'all - thanks for the love. Wanted to add that I believe in abolishing the police. Moving our money to resources - such as mental health responders - is the bare minimum, but a necessary step on the path to abolition. Check out @MPD_150 / http://MPD150.com for more.
