Mayor Karen Bass today announced an Executive Directive aimed at reforming the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) response to mental health emergencies, following the release of difficult-to-watch officer-involved shooting and in-custody videos. The Mayor highlighted the tragic deaths of Jose Carlos Hoyos-Munoz and Alejandro Luis Garcia, both of whom appeared to be experiencing mental health crises when they died.
Bass stated that decades of underinvestment in community-based mental and behavioral health services have left many Angelenos without proper care, increasing the likelihood of law enforcement contact. She noted that LAPD officers are not primarily equipped or trained to be first responders to mental health crises.
Her upcoming Executive Directive will mandate an independent evaluation of officer-involved deaths and severe injuries, particularly those involving individuals in mental health crises. This review aims to identify systemic gaps, strengthen policies and training, and enhance public and officer safety. It will also examine mental health support for officers after critical incidents.
Furthermore, the Mayor emphasized the need to expand civilian crisis response and co-response models for individuals not exhibiting violent behavior, thereby reducing the necessity for armed officers in such situations.