Disability Rights Wisconsin (DRW) conducted an investigation surrounding the death of a homeless person with mental illness who was tasered multiple times by local authorities. He eventually died in their custody. DRW determined that the confrontation that led to his death might have been avoided, or de-escalated, if the officers had been more aware of the issues involved in dealing with mental illness. DRW worked with the local National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) and advocated for crisis intervention training for local police and sheriff departments. As a result of DRW’s efforts, the County trained 10 officers in crisis intervention techniques—to help them better work with people who have mental illness.
