Berkeley Watch Dog Agency Calls for Mental Health Professionals, Not Police, To Handle Mental Health Crises
Mental health professionals -- not the police -- should respond to emergency calls regarding individuals experiencing mental health crises, according to a new Copwatch report. In response to the February death of a mentally ill, transgender woman, Copwatch -- a Berkeley watch group to the Police Review Commission -- also suggested de-escalation training for all police officers and ending background checks on individuals reporting crimes.
- "Berkeley Group Calls for New Approach to Handling Mental Health Crises" (Scherr, Contra Costa Times, 10/25).