Nicole Smarro, the House Manager at Hedgerow House, is very proud of her brother Joe Smarro and with very good reason. Joe and his former San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) partner, Ernie Stevens’ recently won an Emmy Award for their film about crisis intervention, Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops.
“If you have not watched Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops yet, it is a must!” Nicole exclaims. The film depicts Ernie & Joes effort to improve the lives of people struggling with mental health issues; people who might otherwise be sitting behind bars.
Ernie and Joe began their work of diverting people from jail and into mental health treatment as part of the ten-person mental health unit at the SAPD. They helped many people obtain the help they need rather than facing criminal charges and jail time. The story portrayed in Ernie and Joe, provides hope for mental health providers, individuals struggling with mental health issues, and their families. It is particularly timely in the midst of all the fear and uncertainty surrounding the continued debate of what constitutes excessive policing. It is an intimate portrait of two SAPD police officers who are helping change the way police respond to mental health calls by putting compassionate policing practices into action.
Jenifer McShane, the film’s director, shares in her statement found on Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops website, that through her previous film work, she discovered that there were many people with untreated mental illness sitting behind bars. Upon meeting Ernie & Joe in person and learning of their jail diversion work, she felt compelled to make the film because their humane approach to working with individuals struggling with mental health issues is desperately needed to improve the quality of life of these individuals.
“I could not be more proud of my brother than I am right now,” beams Nicole as she talks about the film and about her brother’s work. “To be the kind of man that he is and, despite the trauma and constant struggle throughout his life, he has made a choice to be happy and pursue his dream,” she shares. Joe recently left the SAPD to become the founder and CEO of Solution Point Plus, a mental health policy and training consulting firm that cultivates mental wellness to maximize human capital and promote safety. “Joe has a mission to bring back communities,” Nicole explains, “He travels all over to train First Responders on how to interact with people in their communities without violence.”
“If love the movie, then you should also check out morning show that Joe is a part of, The Daily G.I.G.,” says Nicole. It is produced by Solution Point Plus and can be viewed on Facebook live or on YouTube. It provides an interesting perspective on humanity and brings more of what the world needs in 2020. “Watching The Daily G.I.G great way to start your morning or if you need a pick me up later in the day,” says Nicole. “Additionally,” Nicole shares, “Joe shares his profound message in a Ted Talk, ‘I See You.’” It is a dynamic talk and well worth your time to watch it.
Ernie and Joe is streaming on HBO or you can check out the Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops Screening Page on their website for a screening near you.