Bass said she met with Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell on Tuesday and is working with him
Mayor Karen Bass said she is concerned about a recent increase in officer-involved shootings in Los Angeles and said city officials are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
In a statement, Bass said she met with Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell on Tuesday and is working with him and the Los Angeles Police Commission to assess what may be driving the rise and to identify possible steps to reduce future shootings.
Bass said she is particularly focused on whether mental health issues are contributing to the incidents.
“Too many times, our society lets people’s mental health deteriorate so significantly that they can either become the victims or the perpetrators of crimes,” Bass said in the statement.
The mayor said the city has sought to address public safety by expanding alternatives to traditional police responses, including directing certain calls involving people in crisis to mental health response teams rather than sworn officers.
Bass said that approach will continue as city officials evaluate the recent shootings.
