22 October 201317 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Police fatally shoot man after family calls for medical assistance

by: The Huff Post
published: 10/08/2013

The family of a Georgia man, who was fatally shot by police on Friday, are refuting the officers’ account, saying the killing was unjust.

Police say Jack Lamar Roberson, a 43-year-old father of two, allegedly advanced toward them with two items he was using as weapons. However, Roberson’s family said he was in need of help and wasn’t threatening in any way.

Roberson’s fianceé, Alicia Herron, said she called 911 when she noticed him acting erratically after taking his pills to control his blood sugar. However, officers came to their home instead of paramedics.

20 October 201317 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Church caretaker, 32, died in police custody when officers tied restraining belt around his face

originally by: Mail Online
published: 7 October 2013

Four police officers are facing prosecution after a prisoner died in custody when a restraining belt was fixed across his face. Church caretaker Thomas Orchard, 32, collapsed in a police cell after the belt was fastened across his mouth to stop him from ‘spitting or biting’ following his arrest in October last year, it has been reported.

Mr Orchard, who suffered from schizophrenia, was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead on [10 October 2013] after a week in a coma.

22 August 201317 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Police forces trial ‘street triage’ mental health scheme

originally by: BBC News
published: 20 August 2013

Five more police forces are to pilot a scheme whereby mental health nurses accompany officers on call-outs, the government has announced. Nurses will join patrols, assist on emergency calls and in control rooms as part of the street triage scheme.

Trials have already been established in Leicestershire and Cleveland.

The new pilots will involve the British Transport Police and the Metropolitan, Thames Valley, West Midlands and West Yorkshire forces. The extension was announced by care and support minister Norman Lamb.