Stop! Don't Move! Trauma and Regret After Police Interventions

A recent incident in Chicago has sparked outrage and serious questions about the role of law enforcement in responding to situations like this, after a 65-year-old Black man who was experiencing a mental health crisis was fatally shot by police following a concerned neighbor's call to 911. The neighbor, a 70-year-old woman, later expressed deep regret over her decision to call for help, recognizing the tragic consequences.

The incident has raised questions regarding the insufficient training and equipment for police officers to handle mental health crises. The use of excessive force, including 28 gunshots, is a clear indication of systemic failures that prioritize containment over care. The neighbor's regret serves as a poignant reminder that well-intentioned calls for assistance can have devastating outcomes due to the militarized approach often employed by law enforcement.

The solution as a society lies in redirecting our role in mental health emergencies from depending on armed officers to mental health professionals and social workers, because these are individuals best suited for compassionate and suitable care. Investments in crisis intervention teams, diverts calls towards mental health services, and ensures empathy training are means through which this can be actualized: building a system which emphasizes safety and well-being more than fear and force.

It is time to acknowledge the systemic flaws that have led to so many tragic encounters between law enforcement and individuals in crisis. We must start to work on a society that is more de-escalating, collaborative, and trauma-informed to ensure that every member of that society, no matter their mental state, is treated with dignity and compassion. Only then can we move forward from these senseless tragedies.