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Moving forward together creates successful ventures
RESEARCH CORNER
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onnie Baldwin, deceased, served more than 30 conveyed by DHS and the CMHC years in law enforcement prior to becoming ex- were acceptable statewide. Then he ecutive director of the Arkansas Sheriffs Associa- led regional meetings with memtion (ASA) in 2012. Ronnie passed away Aug. 28, bers of the General Assembly and 2016, but his legacy lives on. Ronnie had many endearing the same stakeholders in Sebastian, qualities: loyalty, off-the-chart-work ethic, dedication, tenacity, Union, Craighead and Washington vision and kindness. Ronnie was not just a leader. He was an counties. These meetings sought effective leader. He was passionate in everything he undertook. support for crisis intervention trainMark Whitmore His efforts will endure for years to come. ing (CIT) for law enforcement and AAC Chief Counsel Ronnie served as Cross County sheriff from 1999 to 2008 the establishment of regional crisis and spent more than 15 years working for the Wynne Police stabilization units in Arkansas. Prior Department as patrolman, lieutenant and as a criminal investi- to Ronnie’s advocacy, there were no gator. Ronnie also was the Brinkley chief of police from 1995 efforts underway for establishing crisis stabilization units in to 1997. He was a board member of the National Sheriffs As- Arkansas. Now, Gov. Asa Hutchinson has recommended addisociation (NSA) and served on several committees. He was also tional funding for regional crisis units in the DHS budget reca board member for Victims ommendations. Prior to RonInformation and Notificanie’s advocacy, CIT for law tions Everyday (VINE), a enforcement in Arkansas was f everyone is moving forward together, national organization focused rare; only Craighead County on victim notification. He had received the requisite 40 success takes care of itself. was a loving husband, father hours of CIT under the Memand grandfather. He truly was phis model. Members of sev— Quote by Henry Ford, eral law enforcement agencies, a great friend. He had several major legisapplied by Ronnie Baldwin such as Pulaski County, Little lative priorities that are curRock, North Little Rock and rently left unfulfilled. One Sebastian County, have compriority was for the state of pleted the appropriate level Arkansas to quit warehousing hundreds of citizens with men- of CIT training. In addition, the Arkansas Law Enforcement tal illness in our county jails. Another priority was the man- Training Academy (ALETA) is seeking additional funding agement of the state prison and local jail overcrowding. These statewide for cadets to receive eight hours of CIT during their priority matters along with other tools like telemedicine and basic training at the academy. If ALETA obtains the funding, specialty courts are interrelated. which is recommended by Gov. Hutchinson, ALETA will offer In 2014, Ronnie was awarded the President’s Award from the the 40-hour CIT (via train the trainer) statewide. Mental Health Council of Arkansas (MHCA) for his leaderRonnie knew that success required the building of a coalition ship in creating the Law Enforcement and Mental Health Co- between mental health advocates, law enforcement, prosecualition. Ronnie had served on the board for Mid-South Health tors, CMHC directors, county judges, sheriffs, the Association Systems, Inc. and knew well the level of service a community of Arkansas Counties (AAC), legislators and the governor. He mental health center (CMHC) was capable of providing. After knew Arkansas is small enough that we can get things done — becoming ASA director, he immediately spearheaded efforts for if we act together. One unlikely coalition was created between better services for the mentally ill in Arkansas. the sheriffs and the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas (ACLU). The sheriffs in Arkansas are strong advocates for the In-Jail Services, Crisis Intervention mentally ill. Training and Crisis Services Ronnie was always beating the drum for change — seeking Ronnie organized a series of meetings throughout the state at the implementation of these urgent priority needs. He reiteratthe various 13 CMHC catchment areas with Arkansas Depart- ed again and again that the state of Arkansas has an affirmative ment of Human Services (DHS), sheriffs, prosecutors, CMHC See “FORWARD” on Page 16 > > > directors and other stakeholders to assure the level of services
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COUNTY LINES, FALL 2016
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