A mental health crisis can take many forms. Often, it’s hard for witnesses to understand. Perhaps it manifests as an outburst, strange comments, non-communication, or frantic behavior. It can be frightening. That’s why law enforcement often ends up the first point of contact for people experiencing mental illness.
As I write in today’s column, it shouldn’t be that way. Especially when lives aren’t in danger. Law enforcement officers do the best they can, but the nature of their work means they should be a last resort, not the first call. We can do better.
My series on rural Minnesota mental health issues continues today, this time focused on the relationship between law enforcement and mental health.
Read more in “Relying on law enforcement to solve mental health crisis puts lives at risk” in the Sunday, June 1, 2025 edition of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Aaron J. Brown is a columnist and member of the editorial board for the Minnesota Star Tribune. His new book about Hibbing Mayor Victor Power and his momentous fight against the world’s largest corporation will be out soon.
