Aurora’s public safety monitor has issued a report advocating for significant reforms in the city’s mental health services following recent officer-involved shootings. The report highlights systemic issues that may lead to deadly confrontations between police and individuals in mental health crises.
Rising Concern Over Officer-Involved Shootings
Over the past year, Aurora has witnessed three officer-involved shootings linked to mental health crises. The most recent incident occurred on May 12, involving 32-year-old Rashaud Johnson. He was shot by Officer Brandon Mills while behaving erratically in a parking lot near Denver International Airport.
Urgent Calls for Review of Mental Health Systems
Jeffrey Schlanger, the city’s public safety monitor from IntegrAssure, emphasizes the need for a review of Aurora’s mental health systems. He suggests that improving these services is crucial in preventing police encounters from escalating into violence.
Schlanger’s report asserts that although progress has been made by the Aurora police and fire departments in addressing mental health crises, further enhancements are essential. It states, “A city serious about reducing harm must strengthen the behavioral health treatment and crisis-response continuum.”
Statistics on Mental Health and Policing
Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness indicates troubling trends. Between 2015 and 2020, 25% of all fatal police shootings involved individuals with mental health issues. This statistic highlights the pressing need for reform in both mental health care and police response strategies.
Recommendations for Improved Coordination
The report calls for a comprehensive assessment of the city’s mental health services. Schlanger recommends addressing operational gaps and enhancing coordination between mental health providers and public safety responders. Key areas of focus include:
- Investment in prevention strategies.
- Improved family navigation services.
- Data-driven accountability.
- Continuity of care initiatives.
Previous Incidents and Their Aftermath
In addition to Johnson’s case, the report references other incidents, including the fatal shooting of Amare Garlington on April 9, where he was killed after stabbing a police officer. Garlington’s mother reported that he had been denied mental health assistance just a week prior to the incident.
Formerly, on September 18, 2025, a shooting involving 17-year-old Blaze Balle-Mason also raised questions about police response to mental health crises. Balle-Mason was shot after threatening officers while unarmed, an act described by experts as “suicide by cop.”
Need for Structural Changes
Schlanger believes that the incidents underscore a broader issue within the mental health response framework in Aurora. The report proposes the establishment of Behavioral Health Incident Reviews, designed to analyze incidents involving serious injuries or deaths with a focus on systemic improvements.
He argues that a coordinated response is essential because fragmented services often lead to missed intervention opportunities. “Without a coherent structure, risks are elevated, and care continuity suffers,” he notes.
Conclusion: Time for Action
Following the tragic events, Schlanger urges immediate action from Aurora’s legislators. He concludes, “Aurora cannot change what has happened, but it can learn from these tragedies.” Improving the mental health system is imperative to enhancing public safety and preventing future incidents.
