In light of the Ventura stabbing, a look at law enforcement’s approach towards the mentally ill

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Podcasts AirTalk

Apr 24, 2018

Listen • 16:42

In light of the Ventura stabbing, a look at law enforcement’s approach towards the mentally ill

Ventura’s been rocked by the deadly stabbing of a man having dinner with his family at a local restaurant last Wednesday night.

A photo of Jamal Jackson, the homeless man who has been charged with murder in a stabbing attack at a beachside steakhouse in Ventura, Calif. on April 18, 2018.

Ventura’s been rocked by the deadly stabbing of a man having dinner with his family at a local restaurant last Wednesday night.

Without provocation or previous interaction, a transient walked up to the 35-year-old man and stabbed him in the neck. Ventura police were called earlier that evening about the transient harassing passersby.

AirTalk examines the department’s response.

Guests:

Neal Andrews, mayor of the city of Ventura

Eugene O’Donnell, professor of law and police science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice; former NYPD officer and former prosecutor in Kings County, New York

Credits