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A powerful collection of poetic prose and short stories, Disturbance with a Mental looks beyond the technical jargon of police dispatch to explore the complex and often misunderstood world of mental illness. Drawing on his experience as a Chicago PD officer, John Tolley delivers a raw, unflinching portrait of crises involving bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, child abuse, and emotional trauma. Reviews highlight its vivid imagery, wordplay, and ability to break stigma—“a raw, honest, and brave glimpse into the mind of someone dealing with mental illness.”
Here’s what John says about his work with mental health – his own and others’:
“I work with people living in crisis because of their mental illnesses and I, myself, live with one as well. I see the stigma everywhere I go. I see the way people deal with the homeless on the streets of Chicago. I see people refusing to accept the fact that a family member or loved one may have a mental illness. I see people afraid to seek help because of fear or intimidation caused by stigma. One in five people live with a major mental illness. Mental illness effects all our lives, yet people are frightened by it. People are ashamed to have it. People refuse to accept it. And the stigma grows.
In 2017, we had 17 suicides in the department. It is my hope that by sharing my life, by “outing” myself to other officers, they may see there is hope in recovery. That we can still live with a mental illness and remain officers.”
From the article “In the Frunchroom – John Tolley” by Scott Smith
"The poetry is both breathtaking and provocative. The word choice and at times word play are masterfully crafted. The narrative stories are written in a poetic prose that is impactful. This book is haunting and powerful."
Stanley
"This book does an excellent job of providing a much-needed look into service calls that police officers receive in regards to individuals in a mental health crisis. These individuals are people too and should be treated with respect. Required reading for any law enforcement officer receiving Crisis Intervention Training."
Moses
"A raw, honest, and brave glimpse into the mind of someone dealing with mental illness. So well done."
Grace
John Tolley is a veteran officer with the Chicago Police Department and a dedicated Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) instructor and negotiator for the Critical Response Unit. With over 30 years of service and a deep personal investment—his son lives with schizophrenia, and he himself and his siblings have lived experience with bipolar disorder—Tolley brings a rare blend of professional expertise and personal empathy . He advocates tirelessly to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness—both within policing and the broader community—through training, storytelling, and his own lived experience.
PONetwork proudly supports Officer Tolley because his work embodies two critical pillars of modern policing: evidence‑based intervention and enduring compassion. His leadership in Crisis Intervention Team training and virtual‑reality simulations not only enhances officer effectiveness in high‑stress, mental‑health encounters but also humanizes those encounters—breaking down dehumanizing stigmas. By amplifying Tolley’s voice and stories, we aim to inspire meaningful change—encouraging law enforcement professionals nationwide to respond with empathy, insight, and resilience.
We proudly support officers who publish, educate, and inspire. Use this form to be added to the PONetwork Directory and showcase your books or materials in our online gift shop.