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In this episode Bruce and Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler join in a conservation regarding law enforcement and homelessness with individuals that are often experiencing mental illness. Often times, jail becomes the de facto housing option for those experiencing homelessness, especially those also experiencing mental health issues. Tom discusses the Sheriff Office’s process for evaluating those that need help for mental health versus persecution for criminal offenses as well some of the challenges such as a lack or treatment facilities in Knoxville and the surrounding area. Tom also discusses how the closure of Lakeshore has impacted the rising jail population and has increasingly placed law enforcement in a position of both enforcing the law and providing mental healthcare, which should not be a role for law enforcement. Learn more about this issue and how it impacts our community.