“You’re acting as though you have a choice,” snapped WWL’s Newell Normand as things got heated in an interview with Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson.

Normand, who previously served as the sheriff of Jefferson Parish, and Hutson were discussing mental health concerns in prison, including risk classifications and services offered. Normand mentioned that “you could be the mental health hub,” to Hutson.

“First of all, I don’t want to be the mental health provider,” said Hutson. “I want them to build resources outside. I want you to have to go to jail to get mental health.”

Normand argued that the prison takes in residents with all their “warts” and that a more “intrusive” mental health system is an important way to make the system work better.

“You take them as they you take them with all their warts,” he said. “I mean, you don’t have a choice.”

On the other hand, Hutson argued that people at risk of ending up in the prison system should be able to get mental health services outside of jail first.

“Treat people in the community, they can live in the community and not come to jail,” she said, adding that studies support the approach. Normand remained skeptical that outside mental health care alone would prevent serious offenses.

“In… in your heart of hearts, you’re willing to put more victims at risk by… by doing this,” he said.

Hutson said her team is dedicated to putting their money where their mouth is making sure people get care. However, she also said that staffing and salaries for employees is going to be a problem going forward.

Listen to Normand’s full conversation with Hutson here.