A U.S. Department of Justice investigation has found Oklahoma City and its police department have discriminated against people with behavioral health disabilities.

Summary

The DOJ has found that Oklahoma City and its police department discriminate against people with behavioral health disabilities by unnecessarily institutionalizing individuals and escalating crises with armed police instead of behavioral health professionals.

The 45-page report highlights avoidable use of force and unmet mental health needs, with the DOJ offering to work with city officials to address violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

State leaders, including the governor and attorney general, acknowledged mental health system issues but criticized the DOJ’s findings as federal overreach.

  • LilDumpy@lemmy.world
    12·
    3 days ago

    Not “behavioral disabilities,” “behavioral health disabilities” which often encompasses psychological and cognitive disabilities. The “health” part changes the definition. People should still self regulate (or have a personal care attendant to help) their own behavior in public and when interacting with others regardless of disability.

    From the DOJ report they define BHD as:

    Behavioral health disabilities include mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Such a condition is a disability when it causes an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

    • FundMECFS@slrpnk.net
      14·
      3 days ago

      Yeah, “behavioural” can sound like it just means people who are antisocial or something, but it includes MDD, schizophrenia, dementia, parkinsons etc.