How much more likely are people with severe mental illness to be killed by police during encounters?

Individuals with severe mental illness are recognized as being at a dramatically increased risk during police encounters, with studies indicating that they are four times more likely to be killed by police compared to individuals without such conditions. This heightened risk can be attributed to several factors, including the potential for misunderstandings during interactions, behavioral manifestations of mental illness, and law enforcement's response to crisis situations where individuals may not be able to communicate their needs effectively. This statistic underscores the critical importance of training law enforcement personnel in mental health awareness and crisis intervention techniques to improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of fatal encounters. Therefore, understanding this risk is essential for developing appropriate policies and practices in law enforcement that prioritize safety for all individuals, particularly those coping with severe mental health issues.