San Bernardino Sheriff Shannon Dicus was the guest on last week’s Up Close Show and spoke about the county’s efforts to reduce recidivism and assist people with mental health issues. Reporter Jef Harmatz brings you a selection from the conversation.
During his interview, Sherriff Dicus explained that he had started a complete command to focus on the re-entry of incarcerated people into society. The sheriff’s department is working with faith- and community-based organizations throughout the county to offer support and social services for people who have served their time.
“I believe it is critical to public safety that, that we make sure that these folks who are incarcerated, we give them the best chances” – Sheriff Dicus
Sheriff Dicus said that clinicians have been assigned to each of the county’s Sheriff’s stations to offer support for people suffering from mental illness who have encounters with law enforcement.
“If we encounter someone who is having a mental health issue, even if there is no arrest, or if nobody is taken to be evaluated that clinician immediately opens a case and makes sure these folks are getting their medication and they know what resources are available to them to keep them in society and to keep them out there progressing properly.” – Sheriff Dicus
You can hear Sheriff Dicus’ full interview by listening to the Up-Close Show as a podcast on z1077fm.com
