The Speaker

Captain Sharese Saleh is the Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Buffalo Police Department. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Buffalo State University and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Niagara University. While at Niagara University, she completed her thesis on the Stress, Trauma, and Resilience that police officers experience on the job. She has a strong interest in developing a comprehensive wellness program that will take a holistic approach to the mental health of first responders.

Captain Saleh's 11-year career in law enforcement is marked by her continuous growth and achievements She has served in various roles, including Patrol Officer and Lieutenant in multiple districts and Lieutenant and Captain in Internal Affairs. Her recent accomplishments include becoming a Crisis Intervention Team Trainer and completing the National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Master Trainer Program. She is also a respected member of the Erie County Threat Assessment Committee, further demonstrating her commitment to her profession.

In her current role, Captain Saleh leads the Behavior Health Team (BHT), a co-responder program that supports individuals in mental health crises. Under her guidance, this program aims to divert these individuals from jail and hospitalization, offering them the stability they need through appropriate resources. Her leadership in this initiative is a testament to her commitment to public service and mental health advocacy, further solidifying her professional profile.

The Workshop

Improving Police Response To The Mentally Ill : Wednesday, October 09, 2024 03:00P

Problems associated with people with mental illness pose a significant challenge for modern policing. Police officers routinely provide the first line of crisis response for situations involving persons with mental illnesses. These calls for service are common (they constitute between 7 and 10 percent of all police contacts). But they pose operational problems for officers and managers and can significantly alter the lives of persons with mental illnesses and their families.

This program will discuss best practices and methodologies for police-community interactions where the mentally ill are concerned and seeks to provide participants with better abilities that will allow them to recognize the systems of mental illness, prepare actions plans, and provide stronger victim assistance.