Understanding the Link Between Crisis Teams and Mental Health in Phoenix-Area Police Shootings

Police Shootings in Arizona: A Mental Health Crisis

In the past two days, three police shootings occurred in the Valley, highlighting a troubling trend. So far this year, Arizona has seen 60 officer-involved shootings statewide, many linked to mental health crises.

Over the last nine months, Maricopa County alone has experienced 29 such incidents, with three happening just this week. All of them involved individuals facing mental health challenges.

Recent Incidents

On Thursday morning in Glendale, 28-year-old Adrian Green reached out to a crisis hotline. Concerned for his safety, the hotline prompted police to check on him. When officers arrived, they found Green outside with a loaded gun. As he began firing and pointed the gun at them, police returned fire, killing him but sustaining no injuries themselves.

Earlier the same morning, Mesa Police responded to a mental health call near Southern Avenue. What began as a domestic dispute escalated when a 33-year-old man pointed an object, believed to be a gun, at police. He was shot but is expected to recover. Again, no officers were harmed.

On Tuesday, police in Avondale shot and killed 44-year-old Carmelo Hernandez after he called 911 on himself. Hernandez was reportedly aggressive and threw a screwdriver at officers. He pointed what turned out to be a toy gun at them, leading to the tragic outcome. His family revealed he had faced mental health struggles for years, and, like the others, no officers were injured.

The Role of Crisis Intervention Teams

It’s unclear if Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs) were involved in these incidents. CITs consist of trained professionals who work alongside police to help de-escalate mental health situations. In 2019, Phoenix expanded its Community Assistance Program to send specialized teams to crisis calls, aiming to better handle such emergencies.

As these incidents continue to unfold, it’s essential to highlight the importance of mental health resources. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults experiences mental illness each year. This statistic shows just how critical it is for communities to have effective support systems in place.

Local authorities are working to understand the use and impact of these programs better. It’s vital for police to have the right tools for these situations, as the current approach isn’t always working.

Conclusion

The recent shootings underscore a significant need for improved mental health resources and training for law enforcement. As we look ahead, communities must come together to create better support systems to prevent such tragic outcomes. Understanding and addressing mental health issues can lead to safer interactions between police and those in crisis.

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