Jeff provides executive leadership and strategic management of the Caruth Police Institute and its growing portfolio of projects. He works closely with the Institute’s Health and Public Safety team to contribute across the Institute providing…
Vrishali completed her PhD in Criminology at the University of Texas at Dallas, focusing her research on criminological theory, police, and the police organization. Previously, she worked as a Research Intern and then a Research…
Chief Frank Dixon, MS, was sworn in as the Chief of the Denton Police Department on October 15, 2018. Chief Dixon prioritizes transparent communication and community relationships to build upon and improve the existing collaboration…
After 18 years in the United States Army, Christopher Araujo’s lived experience drives his passion to aid veterans and their families. At the Meadows Institute, his work centers on meeting the mental health needs of…
B.J. Wagner, MS, joined the Meadows Institute in the fall of 2015. In her current role, B.J. works to expand the Institute’s efforts in health and public safety, managing multifaceted law enforcement and first responder…
B.J. Wagner, MS, joined the Meadows Institute in the fall of 2015. In her current role, B.J. works to expand the Institute’s efforts in health and public safety, managing multifaceted law enforcement and first responder projects focused on mental health emergency response, first responder health and wellness, and more. B.J. possesses a unique blend of first-hand law enforcement experience and deep knowledge of police policy and operating procedures, program evaluation, and technical advising. She has developed curriculum for disciplines across the criminal justice system on mental health awareness, symptom recognition, and verbal de-escalation techniques. Her work has lead to the creation of national and international award winning programs.
B.J. has worked across our projects focused on the intersection of behavioral health and justice systems with a specific focus on emergency response models. Starting with our Dallas County Smart Justice Project project, B.J. was the primary architect of the RIGHT Care program in Dallas, Texas’ first Multidisciplinary Response Team. It now has multiple sites across Texas, the US, and serves as the foundation for our national work with Pew Charitable Trusts. Through three legislative sessions, B.J. has worked closely with our governmental relations team on related legislation including the creation of the Nation’s first state supported first responder peer network to end law enforcement suicide.
B.J. serves on the National ABLE Board of Advisors and the Texas Police Chiefs Association Mental Health Pathways Committee, and is the law enforcement lead for the National Co-Responder Consortium.
