Louisville community leaders recently addressed the police response to mental health crises, following the police shootings of Katelyn Hall and Martin Nitzken. The discussion, which included panelists from civil rights, healthcare, and public safety, highlighted the complexities of the issue.
Proposed Solutions
A revamp of Louisville’s crisis call diversion program was suggested as a way to improve responses. The current method allows only officers to respond if there is a weapon or threat of violence. Proposed changes included sending trained intervention counselors to crisis situations alongside police.
Deputy Chief Emily McKinley of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) emphasized that policing alone is not the community’s mental health system, and that it’s the responsibility of police officers to stabilize incidents and get people the help they need.
Other recommended approaches to addressing behavioral health emergencies included policy changes, increased funding, and continued community partnerships.
The city has implemented various initiatives to support mental health, including the new Office of Behavioral Health, required crisis intervention training for LMPD recruits, and the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
