Currently, on Long Island, when a medical emergency arises, the primary option is to call 911. The dispatcher then determines the nature of the first response. In most cases, armed police officers accompany medical first responders. If the emergency involves a person with mental illness and police take the lead, there is a high likelihood that force will be used, often resulting in injury or death for the individual in distress. When the person in need is Black or Brown, the likelihood of a fatal outcome increases significantly.
The Data:
According to the Treatment Advocacy Center:
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Individuals with untreated serious mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during interactions with law enforcement than other civilians.
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At least 1 in 4 fatal law enforcement encounters involves someone with serious mental illness, with some studies suggesting that up to half of all police homicides involve individuals with severe psychiatric conditions.
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Our current emergency response system must be reformed to prioritize the health and well-being of individuals in crisis. Mental health crises should be handled by trained professionals skilled in de-escalation, not by armed police officers. Communities must provide facilities where those in crisis can receive proper treatment, rather than being returned to the streets without the necessary support. The workgroup is focused on advocating for mental health first responders as a key component of this reform. People of color, particularly Black individuals, are disproportionately at risk during mental health crises when police are involved.
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The standard response of sending armed officers often escalates the situation, leading to harm, injury, or even death. Police officers are not adequately trained in de-escalation or mental health care, making them ill-suited for these interventions. Relying on police in such situations not only risks lives but also diverts resources away from necessary support services, ultimately criminalizing individuals in need of care.
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PLAY ME
