Louisville Sheriff Erika Shields Seeks Reform After Breonna Taylor’s Death

The issue, he said, represents a bigger challenge for police reform: It requires investments that city leaders are often reluctant to make. Humphrey points to the scarcity of social services in Louisville which he says means police officers – rather than mental health counselors – have to deal with mentally ill suspects, which inadequate training on how to de-escalate such a situation. “When there are no other resources to respond, who will step in? Police,” he said. “And that’s not malicious intent, but it comes to that because the problems get more complicated.”