Watch Ernie & Joe

Ernie & Joe is a 2019 documentary film that tells the story of two police officers from San Antonio, Texas, who work together in the department's mental health unit. The film follows the officers, Ernie Stevens and Joe Smarro, as they respond to calls and work with individuals in crisis in an effort to divert them from the criminal justice system.

Through interviews with the officers, their colleagues, and people they have helped on the job, the film explores the challenges of responding to mental health crises in a policing context. Ernie and Joe discuss the importance of using de-escalation techniques and building relationships with people in order to prevent situations from escalating and to support long-term recovery.

In addition to their work on the job, the film also delves into the personal lives of Ernie and Joe. Joe, a former Marine, shares his story of struggling with PTSD and addiction after returning from serving in Iraq. Ernie, who has a son with autism, talks about the challenges of parenting a child with special needs and how his personal experience has informed his work in mental health.

Throughout the film, viewers see the impact that Ernie and Joe's work has on the people they encounter. From a man with schizophrenia who is struggling to find housing to a young woman who has been sexually assaulted, the officers offer support and resources to help people navigate the complexities of the mental health system.

However, the film also highlights the systemic challenges that mental health responders face. Ernie and Joe discuss the need for more training and resources, as well as the limitations of a criminal justice system that often criminalizes mental illness instead of addressing it as a public health issue.

One particularly poignant scene shows Ernie and Joe responding to a call from a woman who is experiencing a mental health crisis. The officers spend hours with her, offering support and resources, but ultimately they are unable to prevent her from being taken to jail. The scene underscores the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to mental health care that prioritizes prevention and early intervention.

The film also features interviews with mental health experts, advocates, and policymakers, who discuss the broader policy implications of the work that Ernie and Joe are doing in San Antonio. By highlighting the successes and challenges of their work, the film makes a compelling case for the need to prioritize mental health care in our communities and to invest in the people who are on the front lines of this work.

Overall, Ernie & Joe is a powerful and moving documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the individuals who are working to transform the way we respond to mental health crises in our society. Through their compassion, dedication, and expertise, Ernie and Joe are changing lives and making a meaningful difference in their community. The film is a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of treating mental health with the same urgency and compassion that we devote to physical health.