Colorado Inside Out: Unveiling the Truth Behind Excited Delirium
In recent years, the term "excited delirium" has become a contentious topic in discussions surrounding police accountability and civil rights. On a recent episode of PBS's Colorado Inside Out, our founding attorney shed light on the importance of banning this discredited medical diagnosis. His words echoed the sentiments of many who have long advocated for justice and reform in law enforcement practices.
"Excited delirium," as Glover emphasized, is not just a medical term but a shield used to deflect accountability and a sword to justify excessive force cases. It's a concept that has been wielded in cases like George Floyd's and Elijah McClain's, where individuals in mental health crises were subjected to lethal force under its guise. This outdated theory attributes sudden deaths during police encounters to a condition characterized by extreme agitation and superhuman strength, often exacerbated by drug or alcohol use.
However, the medical community widely rejects excited delirium as a legitimate diagnosis. Even the American College of Emergency Physicians withdrew its support for the theory, recognizing its lack of scientific basis. Despite this, law enforcement agencies have continued to use it to justify aggressive tactics, leaving families grieving and seeking justice for their lost loved ones.
Fortunately, momentum is building to banish this flawed concept from official proceedings. Colorado, along with several other states, is taking strides to eliminate the use of excited delirium from police training manuals, incident reports, and autopsy reports. This legislative push, driven by families impacted by police violence, signifies a crucial step towards holding law enforcement accountable for their actions.
At Tyrone Glover Law Firm, we are dedicated to fighting for civil rights and advocating for those who have been unjustly treated. As we move forward, it's imperative that we continue to challenge outdated practices and dismantle systems that perpetuate injustice. Banning excited delirium is just one step in the larger journey towards achieving true equality and fairness in our society. We stand firm in our resolve to fight for a future where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances.
Read more about this issue on The Denver Post.