On September 19th, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco discussed government failures in identifying and addressing crises during an online mental health forum hosted by a civilian organization. He pointed out that not only in California but throughout the United States, the incidence of mental illness has significantly increased. In California specifically, he stated that “our law enforcement and prisons have become handlers of mental health crises.”
At the beginning of September, bipartisan legislators in both houses of the California State Legislature passed Assembly Bill 348, titled “Full-service partnerships,” with support rates of 40:0 and 79:1. The proposal aims to provide comprehensive services to individuals presumed to have mental illness, including those incarcerated, transitioning from incarceration to the community, individuals detained at least five times in the past five years due to posing a danger to themselves or others, severely disabled individuals, and the homeless.
However, it seems that state legislators did not consult law enforcement agencies or seek their opinions. With 32 years of service at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and serving as the county sheriff since 2018, Bianco, who has announced his candidacy for California governor in the upcoming midterm elections, highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in dealing with mental health issues.
As a first responder, law enforcement agencies witness a significant increase in homelessness. Bianco emphasized the need for intervention measures after law enforcement’s initial response to ensure individuals experiencing mental health crises receive assistance.
Bianco noted that many mental health issues seen by law enforcement are related to drug overdoses or addiction, rather than homelessness. He mentioned that drug use often leads individuals experiencing mental health crises to sober up while incarcerated, which can make their conditions either easier to treat or self-resolve without medication.
However, some prisoners endure severe mental health crises and require daily treatment from medical and nursing staff. Bianco highlighted that about 40% of the approximately 4,000 inmates in Riverside County’s prison system are on mental health medication, with percentages fluctuating each day.
In response to claims that marijuana is not harmful, Bianco stressed that marijuana is indeed a drug, with today’s strains containing significantly higher levels of THC compared to previous decades. He warned that substances like methamphetamine and amphetamines can also contribute to mental health issues.
Bianco emphasized that aside from drug use, other factors such as additives in food and energy drinks, medications given to children for conditions like ADHD, and toxic substances present in prescribed drugs can all be linked to mental illness and escalating mental health problems.
Regarding treatment, Bianco stressed that prisons are not the appropriate facilities to address mental health issues effectively. Lifestyle changes and experiences in prison may not support mental stability unless society acknowledges the cultural roots of these problems.
He mentioned the necessity of drug rehabilitation centers, alcohol rehab facilities, and mental health care institutions, whether operating jointly or separately, to address the complexities of treatment for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
While California’s Proposition 36 from the last election mandates mandatory drug rehabilitation for repeat offenders, Bianco criticized the lack of funding provided by the state legislature to support this law’s implementation. He warned that without adequate financial backing, laws addressing drug addiction become ineffective, with corrections facilities in counties like Riverside and Orange County treating thousands of individuals daily.
Bianco criticized the state government for misallocation of resources, stressing that California, as the world’s fourth-largest economy, has the financial means but spends recklessly in unnecessary areas. This mismanagement has fueled his decision to run for governor, seeking responsible governance.
On the future of California’s drug issues, Bianco expressed pessimism, citing societal, governmental, and educational messages normalizing drug use as responsible behavior. He cautioned that legalizing drugs would not improve the situation and urged a return to emphasizing the harmful effects of drug use to win the war on drugs.
In conclusion, Bianco underscored the need to distance individuals from drugs to prevail in the fight against substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of taking a stance against drugs’ damaging effects before irreparable harm is done to society.