On the afternoon of April 4th, 2018 multiple officers fired 10 shots at Saheed Vassell, a well-known resident of the Crown Heights community. Officers responded to several calls alleging that Mr. Vassell was in possession of a gun. This led to yet another police shooting. Apparently, Saheed Vassell suffered from bipolar disorder which leads to the question: Was this the only resolution for police officers in this unfortunate incident?

Our community residents deserve answers and there is a dire need for police training in regard to our mentally ill residents. Our police officers need to be thoroughly trained on the issue of mental health, community policing, and de-escalation tactics. These topics are shown to still be a necessity in this day and age where we find an enormous disconnect between members of the African American community and its law enforcement.

Your well-being and safety should never be at risk. As always, please feel free to contact me with questions about this or any community issue at 718-342-1256 or Walker55@nyassembly.gov.