In January 2018, a Norman man with mental illness died in police custody after being removed from medical care.
Marconia Kessee displayed signs of a serious medical condition, according to media reports, yet he was still sent to jail. Kessee was unable to walk or put his shoes on, which resulted in Norman police officers dragging him across pavement. As they watched him shake and convulse, the officers did not identify his situation accurately.
Efforts to eliminate such incidents between law enforcement and people who have mental illness are taking place, but as Kessee’s death shows still need time to produce their full effects.
Special training, medical treatment and public education are important to mending conflict between law enforcement and individuals facing mental illness or addiction. In some cases, mentally ill individuals come in contact with police before they have access to medical help. In this instance, law enforcement has the job of treating these individuals with special attention.
In the past, certain interactions between law enforcement and those dealing with mental illness or addiction have raised concerns. A police encounter gone wrong can lead to jail time.
Joy Hampton, the Cleveland County Sheriff Office’s public information officer, said it’s a complex issue.
“A lot of times, they’re in and out (of jail),” Hampton said.
In order to diminish this cycle, many police departments follow specific protocol, which calls for sensitivity training that law enforcement is required to attend.
Cleveland County sheriff deputies follow Mental Health First Aid Training. This program teaches officers to recognize the signs of someone who may have a mental health or addiction issue.
Mental Health First Aid Training instructs authorities how to respond to those who may be in crisis. The training leads to a more understanding approach from law enforcement. Empathy is one of the most important factors when encountering those with mental illness or addiction.
“We want everyone in the agency to believe in compassion,” Hampton said.
Mental health training courses have been implemented for many other police departments in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City Police Department has a four-hour mental health training course for officers.
Capt. Bo Mathews, Oklahoma City public information officer, explained the procedures of the training course.
“Slow down, give them time,” said Mathews. “We’re going to make contact to give them help.”
In an effort to reduce conflict between officers and individuals who have mental illness, special training is applied.
Another tool, known as a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), connects law enforcement, mental health professionals and individuals who face mental illness or addiction. The CIT concept was established in 1988 after a deadly incident in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Oklahoma City Police Department brought the program to Oklahoma in 2001, and shortly after, the Norman Police Department adopted the concept in 2004.
Lt. Cary Bryant, a Norman police officer, cited the positive outcomes of the CIT, a
40-hour training that he said has reduced excessive force from officers against those who have mental illnesses, produced a safer environment and built better relationships.
Individuals in need are finding help rather than being sent to jail.
Bryant said the program is a step in the right direction, but he is mindful of the slow pace of change.
“It’s getting better as we move on,” Bryant said. “We still have a long way to go.”
While in the custody of local police, resources are available to individuals who need help. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office is active in providing help for people with mental illness or addiction problems. Hampton has seen the programs that supply those individuals with necessary help.
Cleveland County adopted a ‘Stepping Up’ initiative within its detention center to help connect individuals with these much-needed resources. This program is creating positive outcomes for the individuals that are involved, Hampton said.
After an encounter with law enforcement, a person facing mental health or addiction issues needs to seek treatment. In many cases, local police will refer these individuals to receive medical attention.
The Transition House in Norman is one place that specialize in assisting those with mental illness or addiction. The executive director of the Transition House, Bonnie Peruttzi, said there is more to know about individuals who face mental illness or addiction.
“A lot of people see the symptoms, but they don’t see the underlying trauma,” Peruttzi said.
Norman Mayor Breea Clark said she understands the root of the issue. There are people with mental illnesses who may be left untreated due to various circumstances. While temporary holding is seen as a solution, those affected by mental illness still suffer without the proper medical treatment.
“Jailing people is treating systems,” Clark said. “We need to treat the cause.”
