Mayor Bass Orders Independent Review of LAPD's Mental Health Crisis Response
Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive directive mandating an independent review of the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) response to mental health crises. This review will encompass the department's policies, training, and use of force. Mayor Bass highlighted the critical shortage of mental and behavioral healthcare, which often leads individuals in crisis to interact with law enforcement. The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners is tasked with hiring an independent firm, specializing in constitutional policing and crisis response, to conduct the audit and submit recommendations within six months. The audit will examine incidents over the past five years involving use of force and arrests resulting in death or serious injury, specifically to determine if the individuals were experiencing a behavioral health crisis or had an intellectual disability. It will also evaluate de-escalation tactics in non-fatal incidents, the department's tracking of repeat calls for individuals in crisis, officer tr...
