Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops (2019) User Reviews

Not Enough People Will See This

[rightkeith · 8/10 · 22 November 2019]

Well done documentary on the rise of mental illness within our society. Important subject matter that I can already tell not enough people are going to see. Pat on the back to Ernie and Joe and the SAPD on being at the forefront of this issue. We get an inside glimpse at the human side of the police and other public servants who have to deal with mental and emotional crisis on a day-to-day basis.

Most telling line in the film was the officer instructing police cadets that "90% of the calls you deal with will involve someone in emotional distress that just needs someone to show up and show that they give a dang".

Empathy and listening: the keys to a new approach in dealing with mental illnesses

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 9 February 2020]

"Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops" (2019 release; 97 min.) is a documentary about two San Antonio cops, Ernie and Joe, who are part of the SAPD's Mental Health Unit. As the movie opens, we are reminded that 1 in 5 people in this country deal with mental illness issues (think about that for a second: TWENTY percent of this country). We then get to know Ernie and Joe. They are on duty and get a call that there is trouble in a court room, where a disturbed man is making trouble. Ernie and Joe approach him non-violently and eventually talk him into letting them take him to a hospital for treatment. We then learn that they also provide Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to first responders. At this point we are 10 min. into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest from longtime documentarian Jenifer McShane ("Mothers of Bedford"). Here she examines the radically different ways in which the San Antonio Police Department, in conjunction with local mental health institutions, decided a decade or so ago that it would be in everyone's best interest (the community, the cops, the mentally ill) to approach these issues from a health treatment perspective, rather than from a criminal perspective. The film makers follow Ernie, the more senior guy, and Joe, the junior guy with a checkered past (including multiple divorces and dealing with PTSD following his tour in Iraq as a Marine), as they integrate themselves deeply into the San Antonio community at large. The benefits of this approach are obvious to anyone, and why this approach isn't more widespread is a mystery to me (although we get the sense that this approach is gaining wider foothold--better late than never I suppose). There is an incredible (and long) sequence in the film where Ernie and Joe encounter a deeply troubled young woman is threatening to jump off a bridge to a certain death. When asked if she is hearing voices, she says "yes, and they are telling me to JUMP, JUMP, JUMP, JUMP". You'll have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

"Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops" premiered a few months ago on HBO and somehow I had missed it at that time. But is is now available on HBO On Demand (where I saw it) and other streaming services. If you have any interest in how our society could benefit from a radically different approach on those dealing with mental illnesses of various kinds, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

When did "empathy" become a four-letter word?

[wtprincetx · 9/10 · 22 August 2022]

THIS! YES! The police occupation still has a very long way to go in its training and response to our nation's mental health crisis, but it's great to see the SAPD taking baby steps in the right direction. It's okay to care and to feel another's pain, and we owe it to the citizens of the communities we "serve and protect" to do better. And we must always remember that "serve" comes first. If we are unwilling or unable to do that, we need to find other lines of work that don't require empathy and compassion.

A Game Changer

[aevamunro · 20 November 2019]

*Spirit of compassion* meets *truly knowing what it's like* - a powerful model for how a culture might actually help terribly misunderstood and stigmatized people.

If you care about people with mental illness, and are sick of the lip service given to reforming the system, watch this. Really.

Setting an example for all to follow

[taracandela · 10/10 · 27 November 2019]

As someone with lived experience who also works in mental health, I can say that this department has it right. I'm so thankful for the work being done by these two officers. This type of crisis intervention has serious capacity to save lives and to change lives for the better- including those of the officers. May many more follow in their footsteps...

Run, don't walk to see this film!

[roosterboy-90326 · 10/10 · 27 June 2019]

This film will give you hope. It should be mandatory viewing for all decision makers regarding police training and mental healthcare.

Exceptional documentary! A glimpse into the future of policing...

[ryaustintx · 10/10 · 30 October 2019]

Had opportunity to preview film. Exceptionally done. Kudos to director, producers, & staff in the filming of this powerful story about policing from a mental health perspective versus a law enforcement perspective. I also thought it was a more compelling story in that not only do you "ride along" with Ernie & Joe as the respond to mental health calls but also share their own personal story of upbringing, childhood, adulthood, joining the force, then in many respects becoming the first MH officers in the SA area. A widely successful diversion program, recognized as a national model. Highly recommend!

A story of soulutions and hope.

[lizmc-49747 · 10/10 · 20 November 2019]

A wonderfully crafted documentary chronicling the police officers that develop and build a mental health unit in San Antonio police department. Their approach to police work with the mentally ill should be adopted by every city and town in this country.

Powerful film about a better approach

[anconnor · 10/10 · 28 October 2019]

This film is real. It addresses real problems and real people. The current situation throughout much of the country in police interactions with mental health consumers is often tragic. In San Antonio, the SAPD has committed to a better way. This solution-based film offers a path to better outcomes for people in need.

A great, important film about policing

[jeffrey-togman · 10/10 · 26 November 2019]

Ernie and Joe is an inspiring film about a more humane approach to policing. All too often police treat mental heath emergencies as criminal behavior. E & J are two cops who see mental health crises for what they are. Rather than running in with guns and cuffs, they come to talk. We see them in action, and we see them train other officers to adopt this more dignified, and effective approach.

Bad documentary

[ricardomartins1 · 2/10 · 21 November 2019]

This is more promotion to them self than showing cruel reallities. Show off!!.

A Chronicle of Groundbreaking & Necessary Measures

[shuttfupmom · 10/10 · 22 November 2019]

Interesting to a watch a film that documents one of the first units in law enforcement to recognize and treat mental illness. If others follow suite, we may just have a viable means to countering senseless gun violence. Quite the leap but it starts here. I hope this gathers the attention and demand it's worthy of.

See Someone, Save Someone

[egstevens-22125 · 10/10 · 18 October 2019]

Two cops roll up to a man yelling and screaming unintelligibly, waving a 10" kitchen knife wildly while turning in circles in the middle of a highway. Hands on holsters, they yell a firm "Police! Drop it!" command as they approach.

Ernie & Joe is a movie that will change your view on what happens next in the above scenario. After learning time and again that an agitated person is likely to respond with "No, YOU drop it, (insert favorite I-hate-cops word here)", well, that's exactly what the San Antonio police did.

Dropped the uniforms. The 80-pound belt with 39 tactical weapons. The command stance. The command and control strategy that prevails and ...well, often fails.

Watch these two officers, meet their families, hear their stories, and watch a world in which tales that start in distress more often end in hope.

Truly impactful documentary!

[teresacrampton-69149 · 10/10 · 26 September 2019]

This film provides an inside view into a unique team of San Antonio police officers who take an innovative approach to policing individuals with mental health issues. Under the direction of Jenifer McShane, this documentary dives into the human element of mental health and the officers involved.

Spread this around

[atilley-208-487076 · 10/10 · 12 February 2020]

I am from San Antonio, currently living in Houston but my brother is bi-polar and for my entire childhood it was severe and un diagnosed. I have seen all of what was shown on the episode pretty much through the life of my brother. It is real! This is an incredible show, One of the things I love most is Ernie and Joes compassion towards folks with the disease. They bring so much to the city, to the world and to the future. These two officers are making a huge impact. Thank you for making this and for all you are doing.

From a nurse...

[Kaygee906 · 10/10 · 4 December 2019]

This is what the world needs more of. Compassionate people that listen and are willing to help others. I'm a registered nurse and in my training, I was taught de-escalation techniques and to utilize therapeutic communication and active listening. I see so many similarities between what police offers do and what a nurse does. Communication is truly key. With that being said, I think many times people who are mentally ill are very misunderstood by others who aren't familiar with the condition. These police officers recognized that there's a problem with how law enforcement deals with with mental illness and they chose to address it. Since they're exposed to mental illness all the time, they're in a position where they can truly make a difference. This film made me smile and gives me hope that our law enforcement, hospitals, and mental health facilities can hopefully implement change and successfully collaborate with one another.

Make it make sense!!! Be ready to cry and salute!

[sedwardsse · 10/10 · 12 December 2019]

If a baby cries you rule out the problem by feeding him, changing his diaper or simply holding him! BASIC: Human 101

This documentary goes back to the days when humans talked with and NOT at one another! It goes back to BASIC: Human 101

A calm approach, street clothes and even a plain unmarked vehicle charged the narrative in many cases, people felt cared about and heard!

Joe and Ernie are REAL and they have regular people "trials and triumphs" just like the rest of us!

As a mental health professional we are taught to meet the client "where THEY are" no judgement and for me that's a stance for anyone who engages with other people should consider!

Watch as a group, have the discussion and talk to LEOs in your area about your views on mental illness after seeing this documentary, make it a movement!

Everyone needs to watch this. You won't be disappointed.

[sjnottell · 10/10 · 24 May 2020]

A must see documentary for all not just those in Law Enforcement. They are incredible people who renewed my faith in my fellow man. Well done.

Such an Important Documentary!

[GingeryPsychNP · 10/10 · 6 April 2021]

I've watched this documentary about Ernie and Joe more than once, and it gets me enthused every time I watch it. I'm a mental health professional an I've worked with police officers with CIT training. It would be absolutely Wonderful if this model could be implemented in more law enforcement organizations. More Information about CIT training is available on the National Alliance for Mental Illness website.

Good stuff

[danabeyer-09284 · 10/10 · 27 September 2020]

A very moving and necessary look at educating people about mental illness. Lucky to have these two helping people. Thank you.

Should be compulsory viewing for police recruits globally

[emmajaneryan · 10/10 · 14 December 2020]

As a scholar who specialises in police accountability for use of force, and use of Tasers and other 'sublethal' weaponry, I struggle to express how inspirational I found this documentary. Seeing these tough, honest, emotionally intelligent officers at work was so valuable. The film includes several real life examples of Ernie and Joe at work (by the good grace of dash cams in part) and my sense is that this medium can work to change policing practice in ways that are invaluable. This is the way to generate change, enact empathetic policing and bring policing back to its Peelian roots - a social service which can adapt and respond to the needs of the citizens it was created to serve. I see Ernie and Joe's approach to policing people in crisis as the vanguard for policing futures all across the globe. This film has inspired and delighted me and I cannot recommend it more highly - important for scholars but more so for serving officers who don't get the training they deserve considering the degree of difficulty they must face on an almost day to day basis. Thanks Jennifer for capturing these amazing men at work.

A must see

[kimmytheazn · 10/10 · 9 April 2021]

Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops capture a new innovative side of policing. Their documentary proves the phrase that, 'It's okay to not be okay." This documentary exemplifies the existing of kindness and compassion from a perspective between both law enforcement and those struggling with mental health.. BRAVO is all I can say!!!!

Amazingly Insightful and Inspirational Documentary

[deehhouse · 10/10 · 1 December 2020]

Amazing eye opening film. This documentary is one that I believe all our police (science) programs in colleges should present to the students before completing their credits for graduating and also I believe should be readily available at all times to be reviewed as necessary in all our police departments too. It is a valuable lesson and tool that can help save so many lives including possibly their own in the field of policing. This documentary is well worth the time to view over and over again. We all can learn from this film; not just our law enforcement, but also firefighters, nurses, doctors, anyone in the position of helping others including a regular civilian because it's going to take all of us to make a difference in the lives of one another.

I myself work in the Mental Health and Addiction field, I live with a Mental Illness, I am in Recovery, I am a Survivor of attempted Suicide, and I am a volunteer within a few Mental Health and Suicide Awareness and Prevention Organizations to where I see first hand what the affects of someone not knowing what to do to help another person can do and the miscommunication, the stigma, misunderstanding, and uncertainties can destroy a person in many ways and also a community if we don't find ways to work together and help each other. This documentary is crisis intervention, it's coping skills and mechanisms, while de-escalating possible confrontations with people and everything else one can think of surrounding being a good human being towards another human being equals Kindness.

Joe and Ernie are with the San Antonio, Texas Police Department and they're diverting people away from jail and into Mental Health treatment programs. Their knowledge, experience, compassion, expertise, love, and support helps to guide people to help and recovery instead of getting lost within the system of jail time. I myself can watch this documentary over and over again because it's ones like this that help break the barriers that have kept us from the realities of what's happening in our world that we so desperately need to stay on the forefront of instead of silenced and keep helping each other one day at a time and one step at a time to save lives.

Thank You Ernie and Joe and everyone that helped make this documentary a reality for people to see and also learn from as well as your department who continue to support your vision of helping to see people where they're at mentally as far as trying to help them and not so much as to what they've done because asking the question "what happened to you" is smarter, wiser, respectful, important, truthful, honorable moreso than asking someone "what's the matter with you". Amazing film and Thank You for being open and honest with people in general. Prayers, Peace, and Love Deanna Culver