Report questions why LAPD mental health specialists must defer to armed officers

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A city report looked at the LAPD’s use of licensed clinicians in specialized units that respond to mental health crises.

The report from the city controller’s office questioned why specialists trained in de-escalation must defer to armed police.

Multiple police shootings have occurred in the first moments when officers arrive on the scene.

A new report from the city controller’s office questions the effectiveness of the LAPD’s signature crisis response program, saying clinicians trained in de-escalation too often are forced to defer to armed patrol officers.

For years, Los Angeles Police Department officials have touted the success of the Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Tea