Police Interactions Town Hall: Cultural Awareness & Mental Health

The City of Dublin and Dublin Police have partnered with behavioral health group Syntero to present a community town hall that discusses mental health and cultural differences and how they can intersect with policing. The event focuses on how authentic connections from police can impact overall health and wellness of people from all cultural backgrounds, as well as what to expect when you interact with members of the police department.

Police aim to familiarize community members with available public safety services, so they are encouraged to seek appropriate support if a mental health crisis arises.

The police department would like to credit the Chief’s Advisory Committee members for their aspirations to create a town hall around these important wellness and public safety topics. CAC and Community Inclusion Advisory Committee members will be present to help facilitate the community question-and-answer session.

Discussion Topics

• How different cultures perceive mental health
• Ways to reduce stigma
• How to help someone in a mental health crisis
• How police respond to mental health crises
• What to expect if you are experiencing a crisis
• How to interact with police officers during traffic stops and other cultural considerations in policing
• Local resources and programming sharing
• Common calls for service related to mental health
• What “common wellness language” means across cultures

This event is free and open to all. It is recommended that children under 18 years attend with a parent or guardian, as some content could be activating for younger audiences. An RSVP is encouraged but not required. Please visit https://bit.ly/DublinPoliceTownHall to register.

Agenda

• 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Nov. 17
• 5:45 to 6:15 — Meet and greet with resource fair vendors; welcome
• 6:15 to 7 — Syntero presentation “Wellness: The Importance of Connection and Community“ - Courtney Dobson, LISW-S; Syntero Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Coordinator Susan Ortega, LISW-S; Syntero Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives-Franklin County
• 7 to 7:10 — Break
• 7:10 to 7:40 — Public safety presentations “Until Help Arrives” — The Northwest Regional Emergency Communications Center (NRECC) shares what to do afteryou call 911 “Interacting with Your Dublin Police” — Learn how Dublin Police officers respond to mental health crises
• 7:40 to 7:55 — Breakout Q&A session with Dublin Police officers, Syntero representatives, Chief’s Advisory Committee and Community Inclusion Advisory Committee members
• 7:55 to 8:15 — Full group Q&A to report back from breakout session; closing