Minneapolis police learn to handle mental health crises appropriately
- Cheyenne Chrisp was experiencing a manic episode before her tragic death.
- Her family made several attempts to contact the police regarding her well-being, but were unsuccessful in filing a missing person's report.
- This incident has raised pressing questions about mental health intervention and police procedures.
In the United States, a tragic event occurred involving Cheyenne Chrisp, a 25-year-old woman from Arvada, Colorado. On December 27, 2024, Cheyenne was last seen circling 52nd Avenue and Ward Road while carrying her suitcase. Her family reported that she was experiencing a manic episode, which followed her recent diagnosis of bipolar I and an admission to a mental health facility. Despite an initial recovery, Cheyenne relapsed and went missing on Christmas Day, leading her family to contact the police multiple times to emphasize her risk to herself and others. The family was devastated by the circumstances surrounding her death when she was struck and killed by a semi-truck. Cheyenne's father, Max Chrisp III, expressed overwhelming grief, stating, "Parents should never have to bury their children." Additionally, the family revealed they had attempted to file a missing person's report to no avail, as police claimed that Cheyenne did not meet the criteria for being gravely disabled despite her evident distress. As the community mourns her loss, questions arise about the handling of mental health crises by law enforcement. In recent developments, the local police, Arvada Police, asserted they conducted a welfare check but found no reason to take Cheyenne into custody. This event has sparked discussions about mental health awareness and the legal requirements necessary for police intervention in similar situations. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has stated that the case is still under investigation. Simultaneously, Minneapolis has been working toward better training for police officers on how to respond to individuals with behavioral or mental health issues. Programs feature simulations where officers learn to handle a variety of crisis scenarios effectively, aiming to prioritize genuine care and understanding for the affected individuals. This initiative arises from the urgent need to create an empathetic approach among law enforcement towards mental health, a critical point of reflection in light of the recent tragedy that befell Cheyenne Chrisp and her family.