Last Sunday’s Spotlight article “When despair meets deadly force’’ highlighted the challenging work police officers do in responding safely to people with mental health and substance use conditions.

Yet high-quality mental health training and the requisite follow-up community-building work between police and service providers remain inaccessible to most police departments in the Commonwealth. The consequences are devastating — from injuries and deaths for both individuals and officers, to unnecessary arrest and incarceration for actions that stem from illness rather than criminal intent.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness partnered with state Senator Jason Lewis to file legislation that would make crucial mental health de-escalation training available to police officers statewide. The measure would also provide technical assistance to improve policies and procedures and develop partnerships with local service providers that maximize referrals to treatment. Further, by reducing unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system, the bill would increase safety and save money.

The current lack of a statewide strategy puts both officers and the citizens they serve at risk. The Legislature must take immediate action. Massachusetts is better than this.

June S. Binney

Director

Criminal Justice Diversion Project

NAMI Mass

Boston