What happened to common sense? LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 11:08 am Saturday, November 1, 2014

To the editor:

My son, Douglas Ostling, was killed four years ago today in our home. Not a day goes by that I do not think about him or his death, or feel great pain from losing him.

His death, however, affected more than just our family. Not a month has gone by without someone in the community mentioning his death to us and how they were affected.

I am writing you on the eve of this anniversary for one reason: to remind you that no family should ever suffer what we did here on Bainbridge Island and that no island resident should ever die a similar death. We are working hard to implement CIT [Crisis Intervention Team] amongst law enforcement and encourage you in your public role to help protect those who need help the most.

I read with disappointment the news about the Bainbridge police interaction with a 72-year-old mentally ill woman. Through my family’s experience with the publication of Doug’s death, I am well aware that the information printed does not convey the true scenario that occurred. However, what was missing was whether any crisis intervention tactics were actually deployed, despite an emphasis on incorporating CIT among our police officers.

While we commend the Bainbridge Island Police Department on making key changes in their department regarding CIT — providing CIT for all officers, hiring a CIT officer, bringing in new leadership — the important measurement and tell-all is how the public is treated in a crisis situation.

The BIPD policies regarding interactions with the mentally ill, in particular, are well-written.

Similarly, the American Disabilities Act outlines strong requirements when working with the disabled — which includes the mentally ill. It is making these policies and education come to life in daily practice which is difficult.

The recent example of the 72-year-old woman being tasered, thrown to the ground and handcuffed tells us all we have a long way to go.

The next step after using the Taser is the service revolver. Our island needs to know that another tragedy like our son’s will not happen again and that we have given our officers the tools needed to ensure this. In addition to training and education, compassion is key. Respect for human life is paramount. Each person is someone’s child, friend, neighbor and loved one. Let’s start there.

Let’s bring back some common sense.

BILL OSTLING

Bainbridge Island