When people suffering from mental illness interact with law enforcement, the results can be tragic. Special techniques and recognition of mental illness can prevent these tragedies and help lessen mass incarceration in communities of color.
Dr. Tonisha Pinckney is Professor of Criminal Justice at Anna Maria College in Paxton, MA. She is Director of Undergraduate and Graduate Criminal Justice Programs at Anna Maria College. She is also a surviving victim of domestic violence and sexual assault. One of her core activities is working with “educators, clergy, and community leaders to help educate, advocate, and brief the gap between law enforcement and the community.”
Associate Justice Mel Greenberg served on the Appeals Court from 1990-2007 after being a District and Superior Court Judge. He is also a Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts chapter which brings together families to improve the welfare of people suffering from mental illness and their families.