Back in May, El Cajon police stopped automatically responding to mental health crisis calls where someone is threatening to harm themselves, but there’s no apparent crime or danger to others.
The department’s policy shift, first reported by Voice of San Diego, followed a federal appeals court ruling that El Cajon police concluded means police could have personal liability if such calls go sideways.
Voice of San Diego obtained a county log of incidents where El Cajon police declined to assist. An incident a month after the department’s change emphasizes the complex nature of these calls and the risks for all involved whether or not police respond…