Anyplace But Here

Anyplace But Here is an in-your-face explanation about the real-world intersection between the mentally ill and our criminal justice system in the United States today. Though the examples and stories in this book come from a law enforcement executive in rural Iowa, his experiences and struggles mirror the situation in any county and in any state across our country. Mental illness has become our nation’s largest and least talked about criminal justice crisis. It is politically inconvenient, and the fact is that we cannot simply arrest our way out of the problem. Sheriff Thompson convincingly illustrates this unfortunate reality and offers common-sense solutions.

What Other Readers Think
Anyplace But Here is an honest, detailed account of one law enforcement officer’s experience dealing with the mental health challenges of his residents. Sheriff Tony Thompson is the perfect person to write this, because he has a unique perspective to share. Not only is he an elected county sheriff, he also has an advanced degree in public policy, so he understands the bigger picture of mental-health policy and systems and how it affects individuals. He has served on statewide work groups on the topic and also served as president of the Iowa State Sheriffs & Deputies Association. He has lobbied at the Statehouse and met with the governor.
This blend of local, personal law enforcement experience and statewide advocacy/policy experience is reflected in his writing. He understands the larger forces at work that result in someone landing in his backyard, where he recognizes they often don’t belong.
I’ve worked with Tony for six years on mental health policy and funding issues, and he currently serves on our Board. I’m glad he has shared his experiences and perspective, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to understand better why and how people with mental health challenges end up in jail or prison.
Peggy Huppert, Executive Director
National Alliance on Mental Illness, Iowa, namiiowa.org

Sheriff Tony Thompson in Anyplace But Here tells it like it is, [bringing to light] the realities of a broken mental health system where we continue to criminalize the mentally ill. His down-to-earth approach, based on real-life experiences on the front line of the battle to improve the mental health system in our communities, states, and nation, is a call to action to others who, as he acknowledges, champion the message that “change must happen.”
As a mental-health professional who has been fighting alongside Sheriff Thompson for many years, we must revitalize those who have been fighting and “recruit a new battalion of messengers and warriors to take up the fight.” His message outlines a battle plan [in which] anyone can be part of the solution.
Thomas C. Eachus, LISW, Executive Director
Black Hawk Grundy Mental Health Center, Inc.