Mental-health protocols do save lives

Re Too quick to second-guess cops’ split-second decisions, Letter, June 16 Although letter writer Allan Mantel may be sure that Const. Andrew Doyle is more devastated by his shooting of Andrew Loku than anyone else, I contend that Mr. Loku’s children and family are the truly devastated victims of the officer’s 21-second reaction.

I would also argue that had established protocol in dealing with someone in a mental-health crisis been used, such as speaking calmly, this encounter may have ended differently. Use of established protocols de-escalates situations and gives everyone involved more time for better decision-making. Screaming at someone in a mental-health crisis accelerates panic and leads to a fightor-flight response.

The gold standard for dealing with a mental-health crisis with potential violence was recently illustrated in Toronto. This case involved a resident of Rosedale who had repeatedly stabbed the concierge of her building. The calm and careful approach by po- lice, including talking and, later, rappelling down to her balcony hours after a lengthy standoff, brought a peaceful end to that crisis.

The contrast between these two situations is compelling. Andrew Loku had not hurt anyone but was perceived as a greater threat than this woman who had inflicted life-threatening injuries.

Use of protocols levels the playing field for those in a mental-health crisis and ought to be used in approaching everyone as they provide more time for understanding and less-reactive decisionmaking. Joan McGoey, Toronto