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Marcus Alert forum planned after local shooting; legislative change may expand defenses for people in crisis
Summary
The committee highlighted a Marcus Alert stakeholder event May 28 at Central Library to discuss crisis responses for people with disabilities; Lucy Beatnow said an affirmative-defense bill for people with disabilities in crisis passed the legislature this year and could be signed soon.
Committee leaders urged attendance at a Marcus Alert forum to discuss emergency response alternatives and supports for individuals in crisis, scheduled for May 28 at Central Library from 6–8 p.m. Maimuna, the division director for Aging and Disability Services, said the event will bring community partners, advocates and first responders together to build awareness of nonarmed response options and available resources.
The chair framed the event as timely after a recent local fatal shooting: “When you call the police, the police are coming to get your person,” the chair said, underscoring the committee’s goal of developing clearer noncriminal response options for people in crisis. Lucy Beatnow also briefed the committee on a recently passed affirmative-defense bill intended to allow people with disabilities to mount a special defense if they were in crisis when an encounter with law enforcement occurred.
