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Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops 2019

This documentary follows San Antonio Police Department officers Ernie Stevens and Joe Smarro as they pioneer a compassionate approach to policing. Responding to daily crises, they prioritize empathy and understanding, focusing on mental health rather than traditional law enforcement tactics. Their innovative methods yield remarkable results, redefining how officers engage with individuals experiencing distress and offering a new model for community support.

This documentary follows San Antonio Police Department officers Ernie Stevens and Joe Smarro as they pioneer a compassionate approach to policing. Responding to daily crises, they prioritize empathy and understanding, focusing on mental health rather than traditional law enforcement tactics. Their innovative methods yield remarkable results, redefining how officers engage with individuals experiencing distress and offering a new model for community support.

Does Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops have end credit scenes?

No!

Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops

Explore the complete cast of Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops

See how Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

83

Overall, Ernie & Joe excels at conveying a humane and hopeful narrative through its focused documentary approach. The direction and pacing are measured, allowing intimate moments to resonate with viewers. Character portrayals of Ernie Stevens and Joe Smarro are persuasive, evoking genuine empathy, while the story flows with clear structure and original premise. Visually and sonically, the film maintains a cohesive, unobtrusive style that supports its emotional core. Its strong rewatch value stems from the impactful case studies and inspirational outcomes, delivering an engaging experience.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film employs straightforward cinematography and restrained editing that foreground the subjects' experiences. Jennifer McShane’s measured direction sustains thoughtful pacing and visual clarity, particularly in longer observational sequences. The production design remains minimal, reflecting authentic environments without embellishment. Overall, the craft work supports the documentary’s human-centered focus.

90
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, Ernie & Joe delivers deeply intimate profiles of its two officers, revealing personal backstories and professional motivations. The film elicits strong emotional resonance through candid interviews and observational footage. The chemistry between subjects and crew fosters authenticity, enabling viewers to connect with lived experiences. Net result is a persuasive emotional portrait.

85
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the documentary maintains coherent pacing from case call to training sequences, presenting an original premise in crisis intervention. The narrative balances field encounters with historical context, though it sidesteps deeper sociocultural dimensions like race relations. Engagement remains high through impactful sequences, ensuring the storyline progresses logically. Ultimately, the story is compelling but could expand certain thematic elements.

75
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Regarding sensory experience, the film adopts a subdued visual style with naturalistic lighting and ambient soundscapes to emphasize real-world settings. The minimal score supports moments of tension without distraction, and sound design captures on-scene dialogues crisply. While the aesthetic remains cohesive, it prioritizes authenticity over stylization. The overall sensory atmosphere remains unobtrusive yet effective in grounding the subject matter.

70
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Concerning rewatch factor, Ernie & Joe offers valuable case studies and emotional depth that may reward a second viewing for viewers interested in crisis intervention techniques. The documentary's measured pacing and detailed sequences reveal additional nuances upon repeat watches. However, its specialized focus and lack of broader thematic exploration may limit replay appeal for general audiences. As such, the film maintains moderate lasting appeal.

Metacritic

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

92%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

IMDb

8.0 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

67

%

User Score

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops (2019): Official Trailer | HBO

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