The Police Use of Deadly Force in British Columbia: Mental Illness and Crisis Intervention

Abstract

This article analyzes 30 documented incidents of the police use of deadly force, where police personnel in British Columbia have discharged their firearms while facing a lethal threat. In approximately 25% of these fatal shootings (n = 8) the decedent had a documented history of mental illness and/or suicidal behavior. The findings of this study suggest that frontline police officers require a comprehensive strategy when dealing with individuals who are vulnerable as a result of their mental or emotional state. During their time of crisis, these individuals may be irrational and violent due to factors that include psychosis, suicidal ideation, and emotional upheaval. In some instances, crisis intervention training and less lethal compliance tools may be able to facilitate a successful intervention to an otherwise tragic event. The findings of this study also underscore the complexities of a police shooting incident and of the precarious nature of street-level policing.