In 2017, a Chico man, Desmond Phillips, died at the hands of police responding to a mental health crisis.
Concerned about his son’s symptoms, Phillips’ father called for paramedics. The situation escalated when police arrived and tasered Phillips, who was holding a sharp object. When Phillips did not stay down, officers fired 16 gunshots that ended his life.
A report from the Treatment Advocacy Center found that people with untreated mental illnesses are 16 times more likely to be killed by police. Criminalized illness results from poor de-escalation.
Some say law enforcement’s failures in crisis aversion can be resolved by improved training. The conversation of a reformed police force is now becoming more commonplace, but I believe police should not be responsible for roles outside their expertise. Crisis aversion should be left to the professionals with relevant degrees and rigorous training.
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Community group in Chico pushing for more alternatives to deadly force
Dozens of community members, including friends of Stephen Vest, came together for a protest in front of Chico City Hall that was led by the group Concerned Citizens for Justice.
Posted: Feb 9, 2021 6:22 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2021 10:20 AM
Posted By: Kristian Lopez
CHICO, Calif. - Dozens of community members came together for a protest in front of Chico City Hall that was led by the group Concerned Citizens for Justice (CCFJ)
Ramsey says Vest tried to stab a security guard, attacked occupied cars and chased employees through Petco with a knife.