In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw—Palm Beach County’s longest-serving sheriff and a national leader in community-focused law enforcement. With more than two decades of leadership, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw has become a champion for progressive, compassionate, and data-driven approaches to mental health and public safety.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw shares the remarkable story of how, during his 20-year tenure, he’s implemented groundbreaking programs that extend far beyond traditional policing. From early investments in youth prevention and community support to launching the nation’s first law enforcement-based mental health unit, his approach is rooted in compassion, prevention, and forward-thinking public health strategies.
Together, they discuss:
- Why Sheriff Bradshaw has invested millions into youth programs and prevention services
- The creation of Palm Beach County’s mental health unit and how it works alongside clinicians to de-escalate crises
- How therapy dogs and trauma-informed deputies are changing lives in high-stress environments
- The reality first responders face with trauma and addiction—and the importance of specialized treatment programs like Hanley’s Patriots Program
- Why collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals is critical to public safety
Under his leadership, Palm Beach County has become a national model for integrating mental health into law enforcement. His Mental Health Unit—one of the first of its kind in the nation—pairs specially trained deputies with licensed clinicians to respond to mental health crises, de-escalate volatile situations, and connect individuals to care instead of jail.
He emphasizes that “mental health touches every corner of law enforcement,” from domestic violence and school safety to homelessness and addiction.
Listeners will also learn how the Sheriff’s Office became the largest mental health service provider in the county—not by choice, but by necessity—and why short-term solutions like Baker Acts are only part of the answer. Sheriff Bradshaw calls for more sustainable, long-term mental health support outside of the justice system.
Throughout the episode, Sheriff Bradshaw speaks passionately about the urgent need to intervene earlier—especially with young people. His decades of support for the Hanley Foundation’s school-based prevention programs and other youth-focused initiatives stems from a simple but powerful belief: prevention works. Every dollar spent on prevention can save exponentially more in treatment, hospital, and criminal justice costs.
A standout moment in the conversation is the discussion around the Sheriff’s innovative therapy dog program, which started as a pilot and is now expanding due to overwhelming success. These specially trained dogs provide emotional support in traumatic situations—from comforting children at the scene of violence to calming witnesses preparing to testify in court. Sheriff Bradshaw shares how therapy dogs like Hanley Center’s “Macadoodle” help reduce stress for patients and even law enforcement staff. These dogs are not only changing how people heal—they’re changing how agencies approach trauma-informed care.
Listeners will also hear how Sheriff Ric Bradshaw balances cutting-edge technology and traditional community values to build safer neighborhoods, address homelessness, and ensure his team’s well-being in the face of difficult and often traumatic work.
Whether you’re in public service, a parent, a mental health professional, or simply someone who cares about the future of your community, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and hopeful.
Listen now and discover how Sheriff Bradshaw is changing the conversation around safety, service, and healing.
Learn more at hanleyfoundation.org
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