The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) continues to rely more on force than treatment when responding to people in mental health crises. Even in moments that require care instead of commands, officers often arrive armed and focused on controlling the scene.
A report released by the Los Angeles City Controller’s Office criticized LAPD’s approach to mental health incidents, identifying deep flaws in the department’s policy and evaluation metrics. Kenneth Mejia, the city controller, said LAPD’s use-of-force guidelines remain vague and lack clear standards for interacting with people in psychiatric distress. He added that the department measures “success” by how quickly officers can leave a scene, rather than whether a patient remains safe.
Experts say this structure itself worsens crises. Psychiatric patients often overreact to shouting or physical confrontation, which can intensify agitation and trigger aggression. Actions such as closing doors or refusing to speak are, in medical terms, defensive responses aimed at self-stabilization—meaning patience and a calm environment are key to treatment.
Dr. Susan Jung, a psychiatrist, said police typically assess how dangerous a person is rather than understanding their emotions and state. “Each mental illness requires a different response,” she explained. “Expecting officers—who are not trained professionals—to make those judgments is unrealistic.” She added that LAPD’s 36-hour mental health intervention training is “grossly insufficient” and emphasized that psychiatric professionals must be physically present on site.
Dr. Man-Chul Cho of the Korean American Psychiatric Physicians Association agreed, calling crisis intervention “a medical act, not a police one.” He said the current system—where officers lead and professionals follow—should be reversed. “Medical staff should assess the situation, and police should only provide safety support,” Cho said. He also warned that even nonlethal weapons can traumatize patients, stressing that “dialogue and observation must continue until the patient feels safe.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized LAPD’s strategy, stating, “You cannot solve a mental health crisis with a gun. This is a medical issue, not a criminal one.” She pledged to expand unarmed crisis response programs and increase staffing of mental health professionals.
The department’s shortcomings became tragically clear in May 2024, when Yang Yong, a 40-year-old Korean man, was shot and killed just two minutes and thirty seconds after officers entered the scene. His family had sought help from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, but clinician Sutae Yoon ultimately called the police instead of dispatching medical responders. Dr. Cho noted that the goal should have been “protection and hospital transport, not suppression,” saying the police’s approach prioritized control rather than care.
According to the Los Angeles Times, LAPD has recorded 35 shootings so far this year, many involving people in mental health crises. Department data show that between 2017–2023, about 31% of officer-involved shootings targeted individuals identified as experiencing mental health distress.
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
