By John Q. Hosedrinker Reflecting on the tragic incident involving a 17-year-old being shot and killed by an officer conducting a welfare check, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of anger and frustration. It is disheartening to see that those who are supposed to protect and serve the community can be the ones posing a threat to its members. The fact that the police stated there was no active threat to the public, except for themselves, speaks volumes about the reality we live in.
As someone who works in the field of mental health, I understand the importance of trained professionals handling situations involving individuals with mental illness. Sending armed police officers to address mental health crises only escalates the situation and increases the likelihood of tragic outcomes. We need a different approach, one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
I can’t help but think about my own experiences and how they relate to this incident. A few years ago, a friend called the police for a wellness check on me when I was asleep on my couch. The sudden banging on my door caused my cat to jump off me, resulting in a commotion. I emerged from my apartment to find myself facing two officers, one with a taser and the other with a gun. In that moment, I couldn’t help but question why I found myself in a potentially life-threatening situation when the purpose of their visit was to ensure my well-being.
The truth is, sending armed individuals to conduct welfare checks is simply not the appropriate response. We cannot continue to send people with guns to address problems that do not call for such a response. It is a recipe for disaster and leads to unnecessary loss of life. The lack of training that police officers receive in dealing with individuals with mental illness becomes painfully evident in situations like these.
What’s even more disheartening is the fact that many of us have learned not to call the police for welfare checks or mental health crises. We have witnessed countless stories where individuals in need of help end up losing their lives because the system has failed them. It is a sad reality that calling the police on a mentally ill family member can, in fact, result in their death. The fear of having someone you care about fatally harmed by those meant to protect them is a burden no one should have to bear.
This incident also raises questions about the concept of qualified immunity for police officers. If any of us were to shoot and kill someone, we would be arrested and charged with murder. Why then, are police officers not held to the same standard? It is time to reevaluate this protection and hold those who misuse their power accountable for their actions.
The solution lies in a complete overhaul of how we respond to mental health crises. We need to invest in teams of social workers, psychologists, and mental health professionals who are trained to deescalate situations and provide the necessary support. These individuals can better assess the needs of those in crisis and connect them with the appropriate resources, ensuring their safety while also protecting the well-being of the community.
In conclusion, the tragic death of a 17-year-old at the hands of an officer conducting a welfare check is a stark reminder of the flaws in our current system. We must demand change and work towards a society where those in need of help can receive the necessary support without fear of violence or harm. It is time to stop relying on police officers to handle mental health crises and instead prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved.