Officers need training to handle mentally ill
Philadelphia Inquirer
Letter to Editor

I applaud Anthony S. Twyman's April 18 article, "Police policy on mentally ill questioned," for spotlighting the difficult confrontations between the police and the mentally ill.

As an attorney with experience advocating on behalf of both the mentally ill and police officers, I believe that sending untrained law enforcement officers into these potentially dangerous situations is both unwise and unfair. It is an ineffective policy that endangers both officers and our afflicted citizens.

As counsel to Northwestern Human Services, a provider of mental health services, I have witnessed firsthand the care that is required to assist patients with severe mental illnesses. Specialized training is essential for police to secure their safety. Learning methods of de-escalation, for example, will help officers bridge gaps in communications when they are confronted with unstable persons.

Having also represented the Fraternal Order of Police, I realize that when a tragedy strikes, such as the one in front of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Center City last month, police officers often find themselves on the firing line. Blaming well-intentioned officers who lack the appropriate tools is unjust and counterproductive.

The Police Department has a constitutional and moral duty to ensure that its officers are well prepared to manage the mentally ill with fairness. The status quo falls woefully short.

Joseph T. Kelley, III - Philadelphia