A really great publication on ridding policing of racism and other forms of discrimination is this release by The International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations (INCLO), a network of 15 prominent national civil liberties and human rights organizations worldwide, unified by the belief that together we are stronger.
Here is some introductory information about this issue:
It Includes a piece on “Alternatives to police during responses to mental health crisis in Toronto” co-authored by the Empowerment Council’s Executive Director, Jennifer Chambers here:
Summary
When people in Toronto most commonly subjected to police use of force in crisis situations took to the streets, they marked a turning point. People with lived experience (in dealing with mental health issues), Black, and Indigenous peoples demanded and with sustained effort, obtained a halt to conventional policing. Alongside the City of Toronto, these communities developed the Toronto Community Crisis Service, a programme inclusive and reflective of the population it serves. This crisis service –now permanent after a successful pilot stage– set itself apart from traditional mental health approaches in that it is consent-based, non-coercive and rights-respecting. Seen as a huge success, it has since been expanded and can afford important advice on building a crisis service that doesn’t further victimize and stigmatize people with lived experience (PWLE). Rather it gives them tools to survive and thrive.
Read the Entire Issue here:
The same issue also includes:
Stories of
- Women who use drugs
- Informal settlement residents
- Black youth
- People in mental health crisis
- Indigenous and Aboriginal peoples
- Sex workers
- Indigenous and Aboriginal peoples
Alternatives to police during responses to mental health crisis in Toronto
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