If you’re like me, the news of Victoria Lee’s recent death at the hands of police officers got to you. Lee, a 26-year-old woman from New Jersey, was fatally shot after her family called 911 seeking help for her manic symptoms. My family was in a similar bind 7 years ago but got lucky: Police responders acted with grace and my brother was sent to the hospital, not prison or the morgue. Victoria’s case is just the latest in a string of similar tragedies, reviving outrage and sparking debate of how law enforcement and mental health care should or should not mix.
Guns And Psychiatric crisis
On the day of the shooting, Victoria’s family contacted 911 because she was out of control. Episodes like the one Victoria was experiencing are often the result of missed doses of prescribed medication. When things go smoothly–or as smoothly as possible when someone is out of control, first responders arrive, the caller is taken by ambulance to a local ER, stabilized over a week or two, and then sent home. Unfortunately, things go horribly wrong not infrequently. In Lee’s case, body camera footage reveals that police officers shouted for her to “drop the knife” moments before they fired their weapons.
The excessive use of force during responses to mental health crises is a significant issue, particularly for Black and Brown communities. Police officers, trained primarily for law enforcement, often find themselves handling situations that require specialized mental health interventions. With the nationwide rollout of the 988 crisis hotline and the introduction of trauma-informed response teams in some states, we are beginning to explore more effective models. However, many barriers exist to scaling these programs, including a lack of properly trained personnel. In the aftermath of tragedies like Victoria’s, I always return to the fundamentals: what reforms are needed and how we can takes steps towards implementation. It’s important to generate consensus around what a more enlightened approach means.
The Need for Trauma-Informed Care
Here are several key areas that require immediate attention:
- Crisis Intervention Teams (CITs): Implementing specialized teams trained in de-escalation techniques and mental health support can make a significant difference. These teams can provide immediate assistance and reduce the risk of violent encounters.
- Community Resources: Investing in community-based mental health resources and crisis centers can provide individuals in distress with the support they need without involving law enforcement. This could include hotlines, mobile crisis units, and safe spaces for individuals to receive care.
- Training for First Responders: Enhanced training for police officers in recognizing and responding to mental health crises can equip them with the tools they need to handle these situations compassionately and effectively.
- Public Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness about mental health issues and the resources available can empower individuals and families to seek help proactively, potentially preventing crises from escalating to dangerous levels.
A Call to Action
Victoria Lee’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that individuals in mental health crises receive the care and support they desperately need. As advocates push for reforms in mental health emergency response, it is crucial for communities to come together and demand change. We must prioritize compassion, understanding, and appropriate resources for those in crisis, ensuring that no one has to face a life-threatening situation when they seek help.
In honor of Victoria Lee and others like her, we must advocate for a system that protects and supports individuals during their most vulnerable moments. It’s time to rethink how we approach mental health emergencies and take actionable steps toward a safer, more compassionate future.
Read more about this case at NPR.
