Can a shooting be stopped with mental health first aid?

A Toronto city police officer speaks with
a Toronto Transit Commission staffer

For the second time in less than a year, a distraught and possibly psychotic youth has been gunned down by Toronto police.

On Friday, December 13, an unnamed 18-year-old allegedly armed with a gun on a subway train at the Queen Street station was believed to be shot by police.

Virtually no information has been released to the public on the specifics of the shooting, and will not be until the Special Investigations Unit probe is complete.

When Sammy Yatin was shot nine times on a streetcar on July 27, 2013, Police Chief Bill Blair commented in a statement:

“I am very aware that the public is very concerned about this tragic event. They have every right to be concerned. I recognize that there is a need for answers and that the public quite rightfully expects that this matter will be thoroughly investigated. I want to assure you that this will be done.

The public also has a right to demand that the Toronto Police Service examine the conduct of its officers and to ensure that its training and procedures are both appropriate and followed. This will be done.”

Based upon Chief Blair’s statement, Landmark Report submitted the following information request to Toronto Police Services media staff:  (more...)

Can a shooting be stopped with mental health first aid?