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Grieving mother confronts council, demands review of police de‑escalation policy after son's death
Summary
During the FY2027 budget hearing, Tiffany C. Hazenstole told the council her 15‑year‑old son died after officers escalated a mental‑health incident and, she alleges, refused immediate aid citing a policy; council members expressed condolences and pledged follow-up but no formal investigation was announced in the meeting.
During public comment at the Boise City Council budget hearing, Tiffany C. Hazenstole recounted the November 28 death of her son during a mental‑health emergency and demanded a full, transparent review of police de‑escalation protocols.
Hazenstole described calling police for help and said dispatch reassured her that they understood the situation. She told the council she watched officers escalate the incident to the use of lethal force and that “a bullet went through my son's skull.” She said she pleaded for officers to render immediate aid and was told a policy required waiting for EMTs. "I was forced to stand there and watch as my son bled out," Hazenstole said, and demanded the city reverse any policy that prevents officers from delivering life‑saving aid and to address training gaps.
Council members responded with condolences and commitments to follow up. One councilor said they would meet with Hazenstole after the meeting to discuss next steps and to connect her with police leadership; another councilor noted ongoing de‑escalation training in the department but acknowledged the family’s concerns and offered to investigate further. The mayor and council said they "hear you" and committed to what is within their authority.
No formal investigatory action or timeline was announced during the hearing. The council's public statements on the record requested follow‑up conversations and staff contact; council members framed the remarks as requiring further, separate review outside the budget process.
Hazenstole’s testimony is an accusation on the public record that raises questions about use‑of‑force policy and post‑incident medical response; it will require separate administrative or internal‑affairs processes for verification and potential corrective action.
The council adjourned after completing the scheduled budget and fee items; members said they would continue to engage with the speaker and the police department.
