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Sarasota Herald Tribune

October 29, 2003

Reprinted with permission of the author. All rights reserved.

Time to reform Baker Act

I am pleased that a Herald-Tribune editorial has again expressed strong support for the Baker Act reforms proposed by the Florida Sheriffs Association.

This is a top priority for the sheriffs because law-enforcement officers are too often asked to act as mental health professionals when someone with a severe mental illness is in a crisis. Our bill, which will be reintroduced shortly, would reduce contacts between people with severe mental illnesses and law enforcement. This is better -- and safer -- for everyone involved.

Baker Act reform passed the House last session by an overwhelming 113-2, but it didn't make it to the Senate floor in time for a vote. This was unfortunate, and we lost many months when we could have been helping people who need it most. The reform on the table is proven to help those who are the sickest, and is available in 41 other states. Florida cannot afford to waste any more time. Or lives.

Let's pass Baker Act reform this session.

Donald F. Eslinger

The writer is sheriff of Seminole County and is legislative chairman of the Florida Sheriffs Association. He resides in Sanford.