Codifying Basic Humanity

Portland Police Bureau drafts new policy on responding to mental health crises

The Portland Police Bureau has drafted a much-expanded policy that stresses the need for officers to recognize behaviors "characteristic'' of mental illness and safely de-escalate encounters.
The new "Mental Health Crisis Response'' directive requires officers to use special skills to avoid unnecessary violence and potential civil liability.

This is what I consider baseline human decency and common sense, and sadly, real progress.