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So this is good news then.
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Here are the various possibilities we had after his arrest: 1. The system would dismiss the charges and release him with no MH aftercare. 2. Steve would be found competent and either plead guilty or be found guilty. He'd spend sometime in Rikers, perhaps getting a little MH care. He'd probably be released with a metrocard and no aftercare. 3. Steve would be found incompetent initially and spend time in the HHC hospital getting better via the use of heavy dosages of psychotropics. His hospital time would count toward his time served and then be released WITH mandated aftercare. 4. Thru a process involving both the Criminal Court system and the Supreme Court system (aka Civil Court) Steve is deemed not merely temporarily incompetent, but deemed to be in need of long term, involuntary inpatient care. The NYC Department of Corrections convinces the Office of Mental Health that they are the ones to care for him. He needs to get well enough to get rid of Supreme Court before he can address the charges pending against him in Criminal court. At that point, Criminal Court can either dismiss the charges or sentance him. .....when he is eventually released, it'll be with aftercare. Clearly, we are pursing a version of #4.
So this is good news then?
This depends on your point of view... a. Had he been released after 1 or 2, it seems likely he would have continued to wander the streets suffering from delusions. Characters like me would try get him community care; care that he would have the right to refuse. If he resumed destroying trees, I would resume trying to have him brought to the ER or arrested. b. Had he been released after 3, he would have been required to participate in AOT. Characters like me believe that AOT and ACT would have been overwhelmed by his needs, simply on the basis that he has now been an inpatient for several months and a team of State appointed psychiatrists feel he is not only not ready for the community, but not ready to stand trial. [Note inherent bias: State Psychiatrists and/or his lawyers would quickly release him to criminal court system if they felt he was competent] c. Once he is released after 4, he will participate in the aftercare described above. Clearly, #4 is what we should discuss.... --If you believe that the OMH and Civil Court systems have enough safeguards in place to prevent an endless incarceration under the guise of mental health, you like #4. ---However, if you believe psychiatry in OMH is complete BS, you likely view him as having to serve two sentances (One for being mentally ill, another for killing trees) and you are understandably concerned about his human rights. if someone you love has a mental illness, #4 worries you. ---Finally, if you are the variety that believes he would have never been able to get inpatient care via another means (such as the ER) and has desperately needed it for years, you really don't care that he got it via the criminal justice system. You likely feel that until we get a better system, this "end is justified by the means". #4 sucks, but sucks less than anything else. Putting concerns about two sentances aside for a moment, I will state that I believe that OMH provides better care to its patients than DOC is able to provide to its mentally ill inmates. [My opinion is shared by a well meaning, overworked, Deputy Warden who runs one of the mental health units on Rikers. To paraphrase past conversations I have had with him: "They don't give us what we need to help these guys. Why are they paying us to do this over and over without the support of OMH and community based care? What do they think my guys and a once a week psychiatrist are going to accomplish? This is stupid."] To make a long story short: Yes, my faith in this very flawed system allows me to believe that in this circumstance we have obtained the best our system has to offer. If there is a God, may he/she help us all. For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Someone spray painted gold paint on a tree on Sterling Place. It is on the large London Plain tree on the northern side of the street close to Bedford Avenue.
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MOD NOTE: discussion of religion and morality split off to its own thread here: http://brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=59996 Continue discussion of Steve Maynard in this thread.
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Sorry, this post is not related to Steve.
However, I am pleased to report that the evolution of our NYC "mental health - criminal justice system" is presently being attempted.
Yes, it has been attempted before, and there are no quick fixes, but for some reason I am am optimistic. Come on CCIT roll out!
Depending on what form it takes, CCIT could be a very valuable resource in cases similar to this one.
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Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities (RIPPD)
News Release January 12, 2011Contact: Lisa Ortega, 646-260-6575
Mary Dougherty, 845-598-4186NYPD MAKES GREAT NEW YEAR RESOLUTION
Agrees to implement Community Crisis Intervention Teams in NYCIn a historic moment for New York City, the NYPD is resolving to implement Community Crisis Intervention Teams (CCITs) in 2011. CCITs are currently being used in over 100 major cities to de-escalate mental health crisis situations and to ultimately save lives. With the help of Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities (RIPPD) CCITs will become a reality in NYC in 2011.
In August of 2010, RIPPD met with the NYPD and was asked to draft a proposal that would detail CCITs in NYC. The NYPD noted that they thought “Crisis Intervention Teams were great. We just need you to show us how logistically they can work in New York”. Since that meeting RIPPD along with members of the mental health community have been working on a detailed proposal that shows how the NYPD can start a pilot CCIT program. The proposal includes information on how a CCIT program can be funded and what members of the mental health community are will to work alongside the NYPD.
In ongoing communications with the NYPD, they noted that they were interested in more than a pilot program because “CCITs work. It’s been studied. We want it in all our precincts”.This proposal, to be hand-delivered on Thursday, January 13, 2011, is the beginning of a historic partnership between the NYPD and the mental health community. The success of CCITs is guaranteed by having community and police at the same table making decisions together and being involved at every level of the CCIT implementation.
According to former training commissioner for the New York City Police Department, James Fyfe, the NYPD responds to a call involving a person with mental illness every 6.5 minutes.
Now is the time for Community Crisis Intervention Teams
WHO: New York City Police Department
Rights for Imprisoned People with Psychiatric Disabilities
People with psychiatric disabilities & first-hand experience with the criminal justice systemWHEN: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday, January 13, 2011WHERE: 1 Police Plaza
Downtown ManhattanFor better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I go to Chinatown to work out. There are some truly insane, and marginally insane people who are there. One of them said the other night, I'm gonna blow this whole f---ing place up! And then he said "Allah Akbar!" a couple hundred times. I'm about to clock him, because I swear, if he's rollin' like that he deserves it. Any advice Whynot?
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sorry, beyond referring him to DHS Street Outreach, I'm not your guy.
I try to focus on policy and funding issues.
1:1 work pays lousy.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Thanks for the update and glad NYPD is finally doing this.
I wish you the best of luck improving mental health policy and of doing a better job than your predecessors. Talk to any front line staff and they'll give you an earful. The disconnect between theory and reality remains gigantic.
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I dream of mere baby steps Jack.
I've worn my direct care shoes, but they no longer are the best fit.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Any updates on Steve?
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I go to Chinatown to work out.
may i ask where you work out at? been looking for some spots.
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No. No Christian hipsters allowed! : )
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I think we may be straying from the topic of "Steve and our sucky mental health system", unless an argument can be made that MHA's place of work is in need of an intervention.
(mine is)
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Dude, the king of straying from the point is calling the kettle black here....
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This I do not dispute.
....but please contact me should you and your coworkers need to access the mental health system.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Greetings long term readers.
I have an update for you. I have recently learned the following:
1. Steve Maynard has remained in the custody of the OMH since his arrest in July.
2. Throughout this period, he has been held on the basis or Article 730. Using a layman's definition, Mr. Maynard has been in the care of OMH, because he was deemed too mentally ill to assist in his defense or enter a plea bargain.
3. Steve is now believed to be well enough to assist in his defense or enter a plea bargain.
4. A hearing on Steve's arborcide/vandalism case will occur on Tuesday May 3, 2011. I am very pleased that his case will be heard at the newly established Brooklyn Mental Health Court, a project of CCI. http://www.courtinnovation.org/project/brooklyn-mental-health-court
5. As a result of his case being heard in this court, he will not be referred to the Department of Corrections to serve jail time. Instead, he will be required to attend mental health treatment. The court will take the following things into account:
a. The insights of the psychiatric center where he has been held.
b. The documentation provided by the Park Department re: his crimes.
c. Steve's past compliance with outpatient treatment and medication compliance.
d. Whether Steve's mother is willing to have him return home.
.
.
.
.
After listening to the above, the judge will decide which of the following to order:-Live with mom and receive ACT via AOT (defined above), AND/OR
-Live at an OMH operated community residence, with onsite psychiatry, AND/OR
-Discharge him to the shelter system, with ACT and AOT follow-up.
I know someone who will be attending the hearing, and will let you guys know the outcome. Please remember, this hearing could simply result in an adjournment.
Although the Brooklyn Mental Health Court is only able to serve a small percentage of eligible clients, I am quite pleased that Mr. Maynard's case will be heard by them.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
I have heard the case was merely adjourned until May 24th
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
This IS news. So Steve remains in OMH custody? Is it possible to render an opinion on his case? When I made attempt to contact those handling his case way back when I was told they had received enough testimony regarding Steve's crimes. I wonder if any of this testimony is considered admissible presently...
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Yes, he has been with OMH for almost a year.
Between OMHs reports and the info provided by the Parks Dept, they likely have all they need.
But you are welcome to talk to the ADA assigned to the case.
Note, as a result of being heard by the new MH court, jail is not a possibility.
He will end up with some variety of supervision and treatment.
I believe I will be able to find out what happens at the next hearing, but will wiggins any opinion on what I believe "should" happen in light of not having access to everything the judge will have.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Wiggins = withhold
Stupid autocorrect
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
No. No Christian hipsters allowed! : )
@MHA
:O did you just call me a hipster.. OH WE MUST FIGHT CUZN!!!!!!!!!!!! lol.no for serious. I AM FAR FROM IT.
"Sherwood is a notoriously dangerous section of Northwest Jacksonville. Violent crime and drugs have severely infected the neighborhood for decades and sad to say, it may really go to hell because there's no commerce there..... I wouldn't suggest moving there AT ALL
Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/jacksonville/1091827-i-bought-house-sherwood-forest-area-2.html#ixzz1MAgCVQ97
"That's where I grew up. Sorry bravo.
An atheist once said to an evangelical Christian in the British Isles: “If I believed what you say you believe, I would cross Britain upon my knees on broken glass to tell men about it.” -
whynot_31 said:
Greetings long term readers.I have an update for you. I have recently learned the following:
1. Steve Maynard has remained in the custody of the OMH since his arrest in July.
2. Throughout this period, he has been held on the basis of Article 730. Using a layman's definition, Mr. Maynard has been in the care of OMH, because he was deemed too mentally ill to assist in his defense or enter a plea bargain.
3. Steve is now believed to be well enough to assist in his defense or enter a plea bargain.
4. A hearing on Steve's arborcide/vandalism case will occur on Tuesday May 24, 2011 (updated). I am very pleased that his case will be heard at the newly established Brooklyn Mental Health Court, a project of CCI. http://www.courtinnovation.org/project/brooklyn-mental-health-court
5. As a result of his case being heard in this court, he will not be referred to the Department of Corrections to serve jail time. Instead, he will be required to attend mental health treatment. The court will take the following things into account:
a. The insights of the psychiatric center where he has been held.
b. The documentation provided by the Park Department re: his crimes.
c. Steve's past compliance with outpatient treatment and medication compliance.
d. Whether Steve's mother is willing to have him return home.
.
.
.
.
After listening to the above, the judge will decide which of the following to order:-Live with mom and receive ACT via AOT (defined above), AND/OR
-Live at an OMH operated community residence, with onsite psychiatry, AND/OR
-Discharge him to the shelter system, with ACT and AOT follow-up.
I know someone who will be attending the hearing, and will let you guys know the outcome. Please remember, this hearing could simply result in an adjournment.
Although the Brooklyn Mental Health Court is only able to serve a small percentage of eligible clients, I am quite pleased that Mr. Maynard's case will be heard by them.
Persons interested in having an in person conversation regarding this matter are encouraged to attend the CHCA mtg to be held at Launchpad on Tuesday May 17th at 7:30 PM. A short discussion will be on the agenda
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Brooklyn Mental Health court does great work and I've had nothing but positive experiences with their staff. It's too bad that they don't expand to serve more people, given how many psychiatric patients wind up in jail rather than treatment centers. Despite what he's done, I hope that Steve improves and gets the help that he needs.
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Jack,
Yup, I totally agree.
On a different note, it should be interesting to see what charges he ends up with.
In many instances the court creates an agreement that states "if you do not comply with your mental health treatment and supervision, you will be sentenced to x amount of time"
When I spoke at tonight's CHCA mtg, the crowd seemed pretty receptive to my offer of being a "team leader" should he begin destroying trees again if (or "when") he returns to the community.
I'd like to think of my efforts in this regard as primary prevention thru assertive community involvement.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
whynot_31 said:
Jack,Yup, I totally agree.
On a different note, it should be interesting to see what charges he ends up with.
In many instances the court creates an agreement that states "if you do not comply with your mental health treatment and supervision, you will be sentenced to x amount of time"
When I spoke at tonight's CHCA mtg, the crowd seemed pretty receptive to my offer of being a "team leader" should he begin destroying trees again if (or "when") he returns to the community.
I'd like to think of my efforts in this regard as primary prevention thru assertive community involvement.
sounds dope whynot
An atheist once said to an evangelical Christian in the British Isles: “If I believed what you say you believe, I would cross Britain upon my knees on broken glass to tell men about it.” -
The city recently planted a number of trees all along Sterling, including on his block. If he is released, I hope his demons are under control for his sake and the sake of our new trees.
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Someone told me they saw C. Steve roaming the neighborhood recently.... Has anyone heard of this, or seen him? I surely have not, but I am no longer possessing of the vantage point that enabled me to do so...
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Photogirl-
I believe the question is not whether Steve will be released, but to where: A group home? A shelter? His mothers?Given the current pressure on OMH hospitals to discharge patients, it is unusual for a non-violent criminal to be hospitalized for as long as he has been.
MHA-
It would not surprise me if Steve had been given the ability to occasionally visit his mother, so BOTH your contact and myself could be correct.I hope to find out the result of his hearing on 5/24 soon afterward.
P.S I hope it stops raining before then. How much water do the tree and the city really need?
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
6/19/2011
Steve is Back
Yep, Steve Maynard, AKA Crazy Steve, AKA The Tree Branch Breaker -- controversy maker -- is back...
I saw him with mine own two eyes mere moments ago. Exiting Pulp and Bean with a large coffee in hand, I spied an older gentleman, I'd say at least in his early fifties standing in front of the large black and white photograph in Tony's new glass-encased reprise of his supermarket, 'Bob and Betty's'. There, this older brother stood, gesticulating and muttering to himself, and I thought immediately of Steve. 'Oh gawd, not again,' I thought. And for some reason I felt the need to look across the street, and Hot Jesus(!) there he was, Steve in the flesh wearing a grass green t-shirt, blue jean Bermuda shorts, and red Nike hi-tops with white swoops. Steve stood there glaring at the dude transfixed by the black and white photo, then with a sudden lurch moved on walking towards his old perch, the corner of Eastern Parkway and Franklin Avenue.
Once again, Steve is out. He sports short dreadlocks this time, and a cropped beard, I think. He lost some weight. Guard your trees.
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I hope tree on my block makes it this season.
Fight white guilt and injustice by smoking tax free guilt free Reservation Smokes or go gamble in a Native Casino.
I like to stick it to The Man, The Man happens to be Liberal in NYC(power Structure). -
Yes, his release was decided upon when his hearing was finally held on June 7th.
So far, I have yet to hear of any tree breaking.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
After all of this time, he's likely stable and in a much better place than he was when his psychosis was in full swing. If he's affiliated with mental health court, my guess is that he'll do just fine. Most people with psychotic disorders do well when adherent to treatment. Time will tell, I suppose.
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Jack-
Yes, he is presently supervised by the Brooklyn Mental Health Court, and will be for quite sometime.Yes, many people CAN and DO live stable lives in the community with the support of mental health treatment. I hope Steve will be one of them.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
A well written summary of this 22 page thread has now been composed by a reporter.
It documents the power of working together, and having a level head.
http://www.viceland.com/blogs/en/2011/06/20/arborcide-in-brooklyn/
Enjoy!
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
A good article. Thasnk whynot!
If you're happy, you're not paying attention.
spurn Productions, Inc. -
Excellent article! Thanks for posting. The scenario where someone is taken to a CPEP, evaluated, and released, only to have the process repeat itself, is all too familiar.
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Jack,
We hope it is republished in Mental Health News, New York Nonprofit Press, the NYAPRS listserv or City Limits.....feel free to email it to a politician or city officials. Our mental health system is such a mess, it isn't clear where one should start fixing it.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
At this point, I've emailed it to everyone who helped us in the process, and those who were asked for help but didn't (or couldn't) help.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
There's a major branch broken off the semi-mature tree in front of 349 Prospect Place between Washington and Underhill. Looks fresh. Definitely someone hung from the branch and worked hard to break it.
Ugh.
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Can we just euthanize Steve, for his good and ours?
He's clearly an intractably tormented soul.
MOD NOTE: let's just keep death-hopes offline.
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Folks-
If this branch was Steve's work, many more broken branches will soon appear.
People will then witness and take photos of him in the act, and we will pursue the options listed on the last page (page 4) of this article:
http://www.viceland.com/blogs/en/2011/06/20/arborcide-in-brooklyn/
...until then, it may be unfair to suspect him of every branch that is broken in Crown Heights.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Just and FYI - in the last week and a half I have seen the Sanitation trucks break at least 3 large branches off the trees with their truck.
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Any update on how this gentleman is doing? I hope that he has received consistent treatment and is in a healthier frame of mind. I haven't seen any broken branches in ages.
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When I last heard thru the grapevine, he was receiving good care and doing well.
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
Thanks! Good to hear...
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80,000+ views on this thread. Did it get written up someplace popular?
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While thread was active, several readers and friends-of-friends did a lot of outreach to folks we know in the press, NYPD, social service/mental health, criminal justice, politics and other industries. This laid a foundation.
Then, once he was in custody, "everyone" (especially the press) was asked to thoroughly reference his mental illness, to ensure that the promises that had been made by allies would be kept.
The quantity and quality of the response by the press can be seen in these pages of Google search results:
A well written after-the-fact article appeared in Vice. http://www.viceland.com/blogs/en/2011/06/20/arborcide-in-brooklyn/
The article made the rounds of the Social Service and mental health communities, which also had the effect of passing this thread around via social media.
As a result of the combination of these factors, this thread's "hit count" got pretty high....
For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor. -
"He finally caught the tree chopper in action with an infared camera."
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2013/05/21/serial-tree-killer-chopping-cedars-in-el-dorado-county/
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