WCPA Statement on WA Police Shooting People in Mental Health Crises

Olympia, WA (8/7/2026)—The Washington Coalition for Police Accountability (WCPA), an organization led by families who’ve lost loved ones to police violence, today released the following statement:

Washington needs more effective interventions for people who are in crisis. When police respond to a mental health call, it too often ends in loss of life. 

In 2013, Annalesa Thomas called 911 for help because her son was in crisis. Hours later, her son Leonard Thomas was killed by Lakewood police. Annalesa says that she begged the police not to shoot her son. 

“This was thirteen years ago, and still police don’t have an effective response for people in crisis,” says Annalesa. “We need mental health crisis interventions that work and don't end in gunfire by the police.”

WCPA is championing three related issues for the Washington state legislature to take on in 2027. 

• First, to create a trained 911 civilian responder team for behavioral health crises, substance use issues, and social service needs, which often require specialized expertise. 

• Second, to encourage use of less-lethal alternative weapons, such as a BolaWrap. Every opportunity to reduce the use of deadly force should be explored. 

• Finally, creating a state standard for body camera footage release time after police shootings. The Seattle Police Department releases “ video that provides a general overview of what occurred” and “photos of relevant evidence” within 72 hours of an “officer-involved shooting”, and we recommend this be a state standard for all law enforcement agencies. Note: Per existing state law WAC 139-12-030, the involved agency is permitted to release footage before the completion of an investigation.

Until Washington state has established safe and effective mental health crisis interventions, if you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, you can call 988 as an alternative to 911. The 988 Lifeline is a national suicide and crisis hotline launched in 2022, which connects people with counselors who are trained to provide emotional support, crisis de-escalation, and local resources, without relying on law enforcement or emergency medical intervention unless necessary.