Close to 40 per cent of civilians killed by police are in mental crisis
Jurors in Toronto are deliberating in the case of Constable James Forcillo. He's charged with second degree murder and attempted murder following that 2013 incident — the death of 18-year-old Sammy Yatim.
In 2014, Toronto police handled 20,000 interactions; Vancouver police, 30,000
The court case is big news, because few police officers face criminal charges after shooting deaths. They're often cleared of wrongdoing.
According to the new documentary, Hold Your Fire, the death of Sammy Yatim is just one example of a growing problem of police shooting people who are in crisis.
1 in 5 Canadians will experience mental illness
Across Canada, some police forces are trying to build de-escalation into their use of force training.
Guests in segment:
- Helen Slinger, writer and director, Hold Your Fire
- Terry Coleman, retired police chief and consultant on policing issues for the Mental Health Commission of Canada in High River, Alta.
This segment was produced by The Current's Liz Hoath.
RELATED LINKS
♦ What we didn't know before the James Forcillo trial
♦ Mental health report calls for better police training in 'de-escalation' techniques
♦ Details of Lacobucci report implementation revealed by Toronto Police
♦ What happens in a cops brain as they are about to shoot?
♦ Albuquerque shooting captured on police bodycam