In recent years, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has grappled with the issue of officers shooting individuals in crisis who are armed with knives or other edged weapons. Despite implementing policies to prevent such incidents, a recent analysis by the Los Angeles Times reveals that the number of shootings involving edged weapons has actually increased this year compared to the entirety of 2022.

According to the analysis of LAPD data, there have been 17 police shootings in 2024 so far, including six incidents where individuals in behavioral or mental health crises were holding sharp objects. Tragically, four of these individuals lost their lives. Since 2018, at least 56 similar incidents have occurred, resulting in 35 fatalities and 19 injuries.

The data examined by The Times is not provided by the LAPD's public-facing records but includes information gathered from lawsuits, body camera footage, and other records. This raises concerns about transparency in tracking such incidents.

To address this issue, the LAPD, along with other law enforcement agencies nationwide, has implemented guidelines prioritizing de-escalation techniques and the use of "less lethal" alternatives to deadly force. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains under scrutiny, particularly in high-profile cases involving mentally ill individuals.

The Los Angeles Police Commission, the department's civilian oversight body, has recently called for a report on department training and policies in response to the surge in fatal shootings involving edged weapons. Vice President Rasha Gerges Shields expressed the need to exhaust all other options before resorting to lethal force.

Police training expert Jonathan Wender suggests that officers should prioritize containment in situations where suspects pose no immediate threat, instead of rushing in for an arrest. Additionally, officers are encouraged to use less-lethal weapons such as Tasers or beanbag shotguns to subdue individuals in crisis. However, Wender acknowledges that these alternatives may have unintended consequences, including provoking a charge from the subject.

It has been acknowledged that confusion over a recent state law has caused officers to wait too long before deploying certain non-lethal weapons. The LAPD has since updated its policies to allow for their use when there is an immediate public safety threat.

Upon reviewing LAPD records, The Times found that shootings involving edged weapons were more likely to result in fatalities than those involving firearms. Out of the 56 cases analyzed, eight were determined to be "out of policy" according to department standards.

The issue of shootings involving mentally ill individuals wielding edged weapons extends beyond the LAPD. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department also faces similar challenges, with instances of shooting mentally ill individuals wielding knives or less dangerous objects in the past.

Efforts to address mental health emergencies without the immediate presence of armed police have been discussed in Los Angeles. However, concerns about the availability and response times of alternative units have been raised, often attributed to understaffing at the county level.

While the overall number of police shootings in Los Angeles has declined over the years, incidents involving edged weapons remain a recurring problem. The efficacy of training programs focusing on mental health intervention is being questioned, as it appears that not all officers are fully equipped to handle these encounters. City leaders have acknowledged the need for alternative emergency responses that involve trained specialists rather than relying solely on law enforcement.

As discussions continue on the best ways to address mental health crises and prevent officer-involved shootings, finding a balance between ensuring officer safety and protecting the lives of individuals in crisis remains a significant challenge for the LAPD and other law enforcement agencies.