When Black people experience a mental health crisis, they are often met with a violent and deadly response from law enforcement officers. This is a troubling reality that has been consistently highlighted in recent years, with tragic incidents like the death of Jada Johnson, a 22-year-old Black woman from North Carolina. On April 5th, 2023, Jada Johnson's family called the police to ask for help after she began experiencing a mental health crisis. Instead of receiving the assistance she needed, Johnson was met with violence and was fatally shot by police officers. The family's attorney, Benjamin Crump, stated that the officers did not try to de-escalate the situation, but rather "escalated the situation and made it worse."
Unfortunately, Jada's story is not an isolated incident. Black individuals are three times more likely to be killed by police than white individuals, and mental health crises only exacerbate this reality. Police officers are often not trained in handling individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, and the response is often deadly. In recent years, there have been calls for change in how law enforcement handles mental health crises, particularly in Black communities.
Mental health professionals are often better equipped to handle these situations, and some cities have implemented programs that involve mental health professionals accompanying police officers on certain calls. However, these changes have not been implemented widely enough, and incidents like the death of Jada Johnson continue to occur.
It is important to acknowledge that mental health is an issue that affects all communities, regardless of race. However, the reality is that Black individuals are more likely to be met with a violent response when experiencing a mental health crisis. It is crucial that we address this issue and work towards a more just and equitable system that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their race or mental health status.
There are steps that communities can take to address this issue and provide better support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. One solution is to invest in mental health resources and services that are easily accessible to all community members, regardless of their financial situation. This includes funding for mental health clinics, support groups, and hotlines that can provide immediate assistance to individuals in crisis.
Additionally, it is important for communities to have mental health professionals who are trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques. This can help to prevent situations from escalating and potentially turning violent. These professionals should be integrated into emergency response teams and work alongside law enforcement officers to provide the best possible care for individuals in crisis.
Education and training are also crucial components in addressing this issue. Police officers and other emergency responders should receive specialized training on how to handle mental health crises and how to de-escalate situations safely. This includes training on recognizing signs of mental illness and how to communicate effectively with individuals experiencing a crisis.
It is important for communities of color, especially, the Black community, to advocate for changes in policies and laws that can have a significant impact on how mental health crises are handled.
This includes supporting legislation that requires mental health professionals to accompany police officers on certain calls and advocating for increased funding for mental health services. OR simply put, get your Black ass up and VOTE in local elections.
The issue of police violence towards Black individuals experiencing mental health crises is a systemic problem that requires a multifaceted approach to address. It is crucial for communities to prioritize mental health resources, education and training for emergency responders, and advocacy for policy changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their race or mental health status. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable system that provides better support and care for those who need it most.
Let's KEEP their names in our mouths...and the countless outhers, too many to name.
Atatiana Jefferson: On October 12, 2019, Atatiana Jefferson, a 28-year-old Black woman, was killed by Fort Worth police officers during a welfare check. A neighbor had called the non-emergency line to request that police check on Jefferson's well-being because her front door was open late at night. When officers arrived, they saw Jefferson through a window and opened fire, killing her.Keith Lamont Scott, 43, was fatally shot by police in Charlotte, North Carolina in September 2016 during a mental health crisis call.
Darius Tarver, 23, was shot and killed by police in Grand Prairie, Texas in August 2018 during a welfare check.
Maurice Gordon, 28, was fatally shot by a New Jersey state trooper in May 2020 during a traffic stop that turned into a mental health crisis call.
Patrick Warren Sr., 52, was shot and killed by police in Killeen, Texas in January 2021 during a mental health crisis call.
Angelo Quinto, 30, died after being restrained by police officers during a mental health crisis call in Antioch, California in December 2020.
Ricardo Muñoz was a 27-year-old Latino man from Lancaster, Pennsylvania who was fatally shot by police officers on September 13, 2020. Muñoz was experiencing a mental health crisis and his sister had called for an ambulance to help him.
Stephon Clark: On March 18, 2018, Stephon Clark, a 22-year-old Black man, was killed by Sacramento police officers during a welfare check. The officers were responding to reports of a man breaking car windows in the neighborhood. When they encountered Clark, they fired 20 shots at him, hitting him eight times.
Three times more likely" statistic:
"Black people are three times more likely to be killed by police in the US" - The Guardian
Jada Johnson's case:
"Family of Jada Johnson, 22-Year-Old Black Woman Fatally Shot by Police, Demands Answers" - Democracy Now!
"22-year-old Black woman fatally shot by police during mental health crisis, attorney says" - NBC News
Lack of police training in mental health crisis situations:
"Police Are Killing People With Disabilities At An Alarming Rate" - HuffPost
Mental health professionals accompanying police officers:
"Portland's New Program Employs Mental Health Professionals To Respond To Some 911 Calls" - NPR