SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — The decision not to charge a police officer who shot and killed a man experiencing a mental health crisis raises questions about how law enforcement responds to these calls.
Dylan Murphy’s family called 911 in 2023. Ultimately, a Sandy police officer shot and killed him, thinking he had a weapon.
When someone is in crisis, it’s the police who are often first to respond.
“We’re reminded when we see incidents like this how important it is that police officers get the mental health training,” said retired Deputy Chief Chris Bertram.
He said basic training isn’t enough. Officers need real-world practice and follow-up education.
That includes not only recognizing different types of crisis, but knowing when to wait for backup, avoid confrontation, or use non-lethal tactics.
“Is this person having a crisis situation because they’re schizophrenic or bipolar? Are they on the spectrum? We’re going to deal with those individuals differently,” Bertram said.
Syble Horn said her son was trying to get help back in 2023 when the police arrived. But instead of care, she said the system failed him.
“Why shoot when you know, there’s no, there was just no reason. I mean it should have been completely handled differently,” Horn said.
She believes better training and more oversight could save lives.
“I don’t want anybody else to go through this. This is the worst thing that can happen to anybody,” Horn said.
Bertram agreed that meaningful change starts with investment in time and training.
“I say this to mayors and city councils: Pay the overtime to get that officer through the training because it is very important for our communities,” Bertram said.
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