Sen. Jeff Klein Wants To Improve Interaction With Mentally Ill In Police Emergencies

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – When dealing with the mentally ill, it’s a sensitive situation, especially for police.

WCBS 880’s Catherine Cioffi On The Story

St. Sen. Jeff Klein is proposing a bill aimed at putting police in a better position to respond to emergencies involving the mentally ill.

It would require service providers who place them in residential housing to let police know if those clients have a history of violence.

“We really need to get local law enforcement the tools that they need,” Klein told WCBS 880 reporter Catherine Cioffi.

Klein says if officers are aware of the background, they can alter their tactics.

“[It would] provide for the safety of the client and the tenants that reside in these buildings,” said Klein.

He says, unfortunately, that’s not happening right now.

He adds that his bill balances privacy and protection.