New Mexico is training civilians to answer mental health calls. Will it reduce tragedies?

Despite the formation of various intervention programs, police continue to kill people in the throes of mental health episodes

It was just after 6.30 one evening last April when Las Cruces police officer Jared Cosper responded to a mental health call. The family of Amelia Baca, a 75-year-old grandmother with dementia, had called 911, saying she appeared to be off her medication and was threatening them. They needed help.

Cosper, trained in crisis intervention, according to a subsequent lawsuit, arrived at the Bacas' front door and instructed family members to step outside. Police body camera video shows Baca's granddaughter thanking the officer and asking him to be very careful with her".