Recent In-Custody Death Reignites Calls For a Police-Free Crisis Response System

Recent In-Custody Death Reignites Calls For a Police-Free Crisis Response System

As Portlanders await a medical examiner’s report and grand jury review of the death of Damon Lamarr Johnson, the fatal incident has reignited a conversation about the region’s mobile crisis response systems—including one that the police rarely utilize. Johnson, 52, died while in police custody on June 27, following a prolonged physical struggle with officers. His death is still under investigation....