By Trend News Line 2024-05-21 12:00:00.
Key Findings Between 2017 and 2023 Show 31% of Shootings by L.A. Police Involved People with Mental Health Issues
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Shocking data from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has revealed that between 2017 and 2023, a concerning 31% of shootings by officers involved individuals perceived to be living with mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis. This distressing statistic highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with vulnerable individuals in crisis situations.
The annual use-of-force reports from LAPD show that the highest percentage of shootings involving individuals with mental health issues occurred in 2021, with a staggering 41% of incidents falling into this category. In contrast, the lowest percentage was recorded in 2019, with only 15% of shootings involving individuals perceived to be dealing with mental health issues.
Despite efforts by LAPD to implement de-escalation training for officers and provide specialized response teams for certain incidents, the department continues to struggle with meeting the growing need for mental health clinicians. The LAPD’s Mental Health Evaluation Unit, which pairs police officers with clinicians from the county’s mental health department, remains understaffed and unable to respond to all mental health-related calls.
Former Police Chief Michel Moore acknowledged the challenges faced by the department in adequately addressing mental health crises, stating that the SMART program, designed to respond to mental health-related calls, was understaffed and unable to meet current demands. The shortage of clinicians and resources remains a significant obstacle in providing the necessary support to individuals in crisis.
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The data also revealed that a significant number of police shootings involved individuals experiencing homelessness, further complicating the issue. With 38% of individuals shot at by officers in 2023 being homeless, the intersection of mental health issues and homelessness presents a unique challenge for law enforcement in Los Angeles.
Calls for more training in de-escalation techniques and increased staffing of mental health clinicians have been echoed by mental health advocates and law enforcement leaders. Experts emphasize the importance of patience and de-escalation tactics in resolving crises involving individuals with mental health issues, highlighting the need for ongoing training and support for officers.
As the city grapples with the complex issue of mental health crises and police shootings, the importance of investing in community-based mental health services and crisis response teams cannot be understated. City leaders, including Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, have called for increased funding and resources to address the root causes of these preventable shootings.
The stark reality of the data released by LAPD serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to mental health crises. As the city continues to address these issues, the need for collaboration between law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community stakeholders becomes increasingly apparent to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents..
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