The officer who Cassandra Quinto-Collins says kneeled on her son's neck for over four minutes assured her it was standard protocol for sedating a person experiencing a mental breakdown.
It is the latest stark example of the perils of policing people with mental health issues. In response to several high-profile deaths of people with mental health issues in police custody, lawmakers in at least eight states are introducing legislation to change how law enforcement agencies respond to those in crisis.
The proposal came nearly a year after Rochester, New York, officers put a spit hood over Daniel Prude’s head and pressed his naked body against the street until he stopped breathing. The victim’s family, like Quinto's, said they had called 911 for help after Prude, who is Black, began having a mental health episode.
At least 34 states already require officers to have training or other education on interacting with people who have physical or mental health conditions. But law enforcement experts say updated training is needed and agencies are far behind.
Lots of police try to calm mentally ill ppl down. But in the end. If someone runs at you with a machete you have to defend your self with lethal force.... but training can’t hurt. It just won’t make a difference during an attack👍
yes cops are well intentioned all they need is more training
If Republicans would stop defunding mental health facilities and programs, that would make them have to come up with better scapegoats. Many acts of violence over the past four years have been connected with the former President's words and rhetoric.
Excellent!
How about mental health training and regular mental health screening
Speed has a quality that in many cases is the foremost requirement. Let's get a Mental Health Profesional out here,.' OK, eta is 20 to 40 minutes First hand the Police would love to be able to turn it over, most times that is not an option.
Cops like playing commando: How about not firing unless fired upon? Like real soldiers.
Why not have specific police officers that deal with mental health. We cannot want police officer to be all things to all people. Then we end up with what we have. NO more generation of family members in law enforcement. Stop hiring family members!!!!
Hahaha make a college psychology class mandatory and watch how fast the good cops resign. And you're left with the ones you wanted to be rid of in the first place. Im all about compromise. But other than just disband and defend the police, no reasonable resolution has been made.
If only the idea of relegating LE to support roles behind mental health professionals when the occasion arises hadn't been promoted as 'defunding'--imagine what might have been accomplished.
I couldn't think of a more fitting scene. So powerful. Really makes you think.
Better for those who work with mental I'll, who are trained then police
Most welcome precious people
We need to stop putting our police in situations were they will fail. Cities should have specialists to assist them.