Deadly Police Shootings Expose Gaps in Mental Health Crisis Response

Recent fatal police shootings in New England have again highlighted the risks when officers respond to mental health crises. In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, several incidents this year involved individuals with behavioural health issues. Researchers continue to examine the link between these calls and deadly outcomes. In early April, a 32-year-old woman armed with a knife was fatally shot by police in Northfield, New Hampshire. A few weeks later, a 38-year-old man in Raymond exchanged gunfire with officers before taking his own life. His brother later confirmed the man had struggled with mental health problems.

Earlier this year, a man in Boston’s Fenway neighbourhood was shot and killed after attacking first responders with a sword. These incidents reflect a broader trend: up to 20 percent of police calls now involve a mental health crisis.

Research from the Harvard Injury Control Research Center shows that 12 percent of fatal police shootings in the U.S. occur during such calls. The centre relies on Washington Post data, which recorded two fatal shootings in Massachusetts in 2024, compared to five in each of the previous two years. New Hampshire’s Attorney General’s office reported three shootings in 2026, following nine in both 2024 and 2025.

The FBI also tracks police-involved shootings but depends on local departments to report the data. Dr. David Hemenway, director of the Injury Control Research Center, has noted a connection between firearm availability and the frequency of these incidents. The recent shootings add to growing concerns about how police respond to mental health emergencies. With a significant portion of calls involving behavioural crises, researchers and officials are reviewing policies to reduce risks. Accurate data collection remains a key challenge in addressing the issue.