Ernest Stevens
Ernest Stevens oversees the portfolio of work focused on improving outcomes
for people experiencing behavioral health conditions and homelessness who
encounter law enforcement. Ernest supports communities in adopting,
implementing, and evaluating new practices. Previously, Ernest spent more
than 28 years in law enforcement helping develop new programs and
policies for the San Antonio Police Department. He also worked as a program
manager for the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council, which oversees
emergency operations for 22 counties in Texas. Ernest was featured in the
Emmy Award–winning documentary Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops. Ernest
also wrote Mental Health and De-Escalation: A Guide for Law Enforcement
Professionals. He earned his BS in criminal justice from Wayland Baptist
University.