Author

Mark Spencer

Mark Spencer, MD is an internal medicine physician in Atlanta and executive director of Stop Criminalization Of Our Patients (SCOOP). If you are a healthcare or public health worker and would like to utilize SCOOPs curriculum on policing, incarceration, and health at your own institution, email info@joinscoop.org.

Mark's Latest Articles

Entry sign for the Atlanta City Detention Center, home to Atlanta and Fulton County's Center for Diversion Services.
Opinion — Rebranding punishment as care: Examining Fulton County’s recently approved mental health jail plan
Entry sign for the Atlanta City Detention Center, home to Atlanta and Fulton County's Center for Diversion Services.
Opinion — Atlanta and Fulton County need to refocus on policing diversions

As Fulton County's lease of Atlanta's detention center ends, the city and county should commit to utilizing diversion services.

Opinion – How the American healthcare system puts profits over patients

As hospitals continue to close in low-income communities, the American medical system abandons the health of the most vulnerable.

A group of Georgia State Troopers stand beside a Georgia State Patrol vehicle at night
Opinion – The harms of poor policy: The urgent need to end police pursuits

Decades of evidence have shown that the harms of police chases far outweigh any safety benefits, and the Department of Justice has recommended severely limiting police pursuits.

Two advocates hold signs outside protesting the Atlanta City Detention Center lease outside the Fulton County Courthouse. The sign on the left says, "Invest that $2B in our communities. NO NEW JAIL." The sign on the right says, "NO NEW JAIL. NO COP CITY"
Opinion: Ending the long fight over the Atlanta City Detention Center
Opinion – Cop Cities are coming: Where will healthcare workers stand?
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