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Family of Sean Smith-Arlt Releases Statement, Following his Killing by Santa Cruz Police
The family of Sean Smith-Arlt has released a public statement that describes how dear Sean was to them, and what type of person he was and what some of his accomplishments were. They have confirmed Sean was suffering from ongoing mental health issues at the time he was killed by Santa Cruz police on October 16 near the corner of Chace and Getchell Streets. The family is calling for a more independent investigation into the killing. "The information that has been released so far is not telling the whole story. We are hopeful that with a more independent investigation, the entire truth will come out and justice will be done," the family states.
Full Statement:
The Smith-Arlt family would like to make the following statement in regards to their beloved son Sean Smith Arlt.
Sean was loved by his family and many friends and will be greatly missed by those of us who knew him, including his 4-year old son who he loved more than anyone. He was loving, caring, kind, and greatly inspired by social justice issues.
Sean was born in Santa Cruz and attended Santa Cruz City public schools.
After high school, he spent a year in Seattle as an Americorp volunteer working with inner city children.
He graduated with honors in Psychology and Philosophy from Sonoma State University. Sean had a range of interests and talents, including: poetry, painting, writing, music, screenwriting, somatics, Jungian theory, surfing, and lacrosse. He was a certified Qigong instructor and a math tutor.
He struggled with mental health issues as millions of people do. Sean’s death on October 16th dramatically highlights the failures in our community for providing services for and respond to the challenges of clients and families struggling with mental health concerns in a caring and professional manner. We understand there are many challenges for law enforcement officers who respond to 911 calls. It is clear more training and resources are needed for responding to a mental health crisis situation.
On October 16th the police were well aware that Sean was struggling with mental health issues.
The information that has been released so far is not telling the whole story. We are hopeful that with a more independent investigation, the entire truth will come out and justice will be done.
The family requests that members of the press respect their privacy.
We do not intend to do any interviews at this time. We are grateful for the support that the community has given us.
###
Alex Darocy
http://alexdarocy.blogspot.com/
The Smith-Arlt family would like to make the following statement in regards to their beloved son Sean Smith Arlt.
Sean was loved by his family and many friends and will be greatly missed by those of us who knew him, including his 4-year old son who he loved more than anyone. He was loving, caring, kind, and greatly inspired by social justice issues.
Sean was born in Santa Cruz and attended Santa Cruz City public schools.
After high school, he spent a year in Seattle as an Americorp volunteer working with inner city children.
He graduated with honors in Psychology and Philosophy from Sonoma State University. Sean had a range of interests and talents, including: poetry, painting, writing, music, screenwriting, somatics, Jungian theory, surfing, and lacrosse. He was a certified Qigong instructor and a math tutor.
He struggled with mental health issues as millions of people do. Sean’s death on October 16th dramatically highlights the failures in our community for providing services for and respond to the challenges of clients and families struggling with mental health concerns in a caring and professional manner. We understand there are many challenges for law enforcement officers who respond to 911 calls. It is clear more training and resources are needed for responding to a mental health crisis situation.
On October 16th the police were well aware that Sean was struggling with mental health issues.
The information that has been released so far is not telling the whole story. We are hopeful that with a more independent investigation, the entire truth will come out and justice will be done.
The family requests that members of the press respect their privacy.
We do not intend to do any interviews at this time. We are grateful for the support that the community has given us.
###
Alex Darocy
http://alexdarocy.blogspot.com/
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so sorry for your loss, I agree more training for officers for people with mental issues, a rake is not a gun or knife, and seems like, police are trained if you pull your weapon out, shot to KILL, in this case maiming him, instead of killing would have been the appropiate choice, if taser didn't work.
So sorry for the loss to the family , needs to be more training and make different choices for different situations. need to be addressed.
So sorry for the loss to the family , needs to be more training and make different choices for different situations. need to be addressed.
"The SCPD also refused to release the name of the officer who shot Arlt, because the officer is a "victim of a crime," Martinez said."
Santa Cruz police knew Sean Arlt had mental illness, family says
http://www.ksbw.com/article/santa-cruz-police-knew-sean-arlt-had-mental-illness-family-says/6947949
From the Sentinel:
"Police said Tuesday the officer who shot Arlt had about two years of experience and had received crisis-intervention training."
Editorial, Oct. 19, 2016: Questions remain on Santa Cruz police shooting of local man
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20161018/LOCAL1/161019481
Santa Cruz police knew Sean Arlt had mental illness, family says
http://www.ksbw.com/article/santa-cruz-police-knew-sean-arlt-had-mental-illness-family-says/6947949
From the Sentinel:
"Police said Tuesday the officer who shot Arlt had about two years of experience and had received crisis-intervention training."
Editorial, Oct. 19, 2016: Questions remain on Santa Cruz police shooting of local man
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20161018/LOCAL1/161019481
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