By Dr. Panicha McGuire, LMFT, RPT™
Here’s why I would NEVER call the police for any mental health crisis. Ever. Every year, hundreds of people in the U.S. are killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Many are BIPOC, neurodivergent, disabled, or otherwise marginalized. They needed care. They got force. These aren’t isolated tragedies. They are the result of a system built on control, not compassion.
On April 6, 2025, in Pocatello, Idaho, 17-year-old Victor Perez, described by his family as “nonverbal, autistic, cerebral palsy, and intellectually disabled” teen was shot nine times by police. Officers arrived and opened fire within 12 seconds, despite Victor being behind a fence and holding a small knife. He was not threatening anyone.
Victor had his leg amputated, and remains in critical condition. His family still doesn’t know if he will survive and whether this will result in brain damage.
Police Do Not De-Escalate
Roughly 1 in 5 people fatally shot by police in the U.S. are experiencing a mental health crisis. That’s 1,000+ people in the past 5 years who needed care…not bullets.
Police are trained to control, not to de-escalate or hold space. Especially for BIPOC and disabled individuals, police involvement is often a death sentence.
Victor was not the first and will not be the last until we, as a community do something about it.
- Sonya Massey (36, Illinois, July 2024)
Al Jazeera - Victoria Lee (NJ, July 2024)
Newsweek - Andrew Washington (52, NJ, Aug 2023)
New Jersey Monitor - Ryan Gainer (15, CA, Mar 2024)
ABC 7 - Emmanuel Perez Becerra (19, CA, Mar 2024)
CBS News - Mischa Pataski-Fay (17, NH, Jan 2023)
AP News - Jasper Aaron Lynch (26, VA, July 2022)
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What to Do Instead of Calling the Police
- Local Mobile Crisis Teams (MCRT): Mental health workers who respond instead of police (Ask first if they will send police as this varies by city).
- Peer Support & Warm Lines Divested from Police: Compassionate listeners with lived experience (resources below).
- Community Crisis Response Programs: Local teams trained in trauma-informed and disability-affirming care.
If You Must Call 911
Sometimes, police are already involved. Or there truly is no other option. If you’re in this situation, here’s how to maximize safety, document what happens, and protect the rights of the person in crisis:
- Tell Dispatch: This Is a Mental Health Emergency
Say clearly and firmly: “This is a mental health crisis, not a crime. The person is unarmed (if true) and needs a crisis intervention team (CIT) officer.”
Ask: “Can you confirm if officers have mental health crisis training?”
Stress if the person is: Autistic or nonspeaking, Disabled or has a history of trauma, a child or teen, BIPOC, trans, or otherwise marginalized. The more context you give, the better. - Ask for Minimal Officers, No Sirens, and No Guns Drawn. This helps prevent overstimulation, fear, or escalation. Especially for people with sensory sensitivity or trauma history.
- Stay on the Line and Give Real-Time Updates. If the situation de-escalates before police arrive, call back and let dispatch know. They can reduce the urgency or cancel the call.
- Document Everything– Record and write down badge numbers, names, time of arrival, and anything officers say. Use your phone’s voice memo or video. Ask bystanders to record from a safe distance. *If you’re afraid of retaliation, back up the video to the cloud or send it to a trusted person immediately.
- Know Your (and Their) Rights– You do not have to consent to a search without a warrant. If the person is a minor or has a disability, they have a right to an advocate or guardian present. Ask: “Is this person being detained? Are they free to go?” You can request a supervisor if officers escalate or dismiss your concerns.
- Don’t Leave the Person Alone if You Can Help It– If safe, stay with the person throughout the interaction. Calmly narrate what’s happening to them if they’re confused or overwhelmed. Translate or speak on their behalf if they’re nonspeaking or unable to communicate clearly. If you’re a friend, therapist, case manager, or family member, say that explicitly.
- Follow Up Immediately After– Request a copy of the police report and body cam footage. Contact a civil rights lawyer if excessive force was used. Document injuries, interactions, and emotional distress for legal protection
Warm Lines Divested from Police and Forced Hospitalization
These resources do not call police or send crisis teams without your consent:
1. BlackLine– Call or Text: 1-800-604-5841 BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled-led. Peer support. No tracing. No forced intervention.
2. Trans Lifeline– US: 1-877-565-8860 Trans-run, peer support. No non-consensual rescue. Police-free since day one.
3. Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line– Call: 1-888-407-4515 Peer-led. No assessments, no tracking, no emergency dispatch.
4. Thrive Lifeline– Text: 1-313-662-8209 LGBTQIA2S+ run, with a focus on multiply marginalized people. No active rescue.
5. StrongHearts Native Helpline– Call: 1-844-762-8483 Culturally rooted, anonymous, police-free support for Native communities.
You Deserve Care, Not Control, Not Lethal Responses.
We need a future where community care replaces police violence.
Where crisis calls lead to comfort, not coffins.
Never call the police for a mental health crisis. Unless there’s no other option. And even then, advocate for life.