Re: “,” Jan. 7 Dottie Lamm guest column.
Thank you for Dottie Lamm’s column about the Denver Police Department’s new co-responder initiative. Send a police officer and a mental health clinician together to investigate a situation involving a suspected mentally disturbed citizen.
If the two responders determine that treatment, rather than arrest, is indicated, they not only find an appropriate facility, but also “follow up with counseling, transportation, and needed referrals as long as necessary.”
Might this system have helped Esteban Santiago and prevented five deaths at the Fort Lauderdale airport? Santiago had requested psychological help, stated that he was hearing voices, and reported to the FBI in person that the US government was controlling his mind. He was hospitalized for four days and then released, seemingly with no follow up.
Is Mr. Santiago a terrorist, a murderer or a psychotic, mentally ill citizen? Regardless, he is now in the criminal justice system.
Jean Trester, Centennial
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