The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has made a call to security forces, advocating for a restrained approach in dealing with mentally ill individuals during confrontations.
Reevaluating use of force
INDECOM Commissioner Hugh Faulkner has pointed to several incidents where deadly force was not warranted.
The emphasis on retraining and educating security personnel in alternative methods of restraint is a key message being conveyed by the commission.
Alternatives to firearm deployment
The commission is actively promoting the adoption of non-lethal weapons and strategies to neutralize potential threats.
Faulkner highlighted the existence of various tools and tactical procedures that could be employed as safer options, especially when responding to individuals wielding knives or other sharp objects.
Insights from quarterly press briefing
The urgency of the matter was underlined at INDECOM’s recent quarterly press briefing, where startling statistics were shared.
Reports are that a total of 106 fatal shootings were recorded in the first half of the year.
Faulkner noted that 12 involved mentally ill persons who were fatally shot in what were reported as attacks on security forces.
Statistical overview and the path forward
Recent updates from INDECOM’s website show an increase in fatal encounters, with the count reaching 119 by the beginning of November.
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