The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police spread quietly across the nation over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
At least 94 people died after they were given sedatives and restrained by police from 2012 through 2021, according to findings by the AP in collaboration with FRONTLINE (PBS) and the Howard Centers for Investigative Journalism. That’s nearly 10% of the more than 1,000 deaths identified during the investigation of people subdued by police in ways that are not supposed to be fatal.
Supporters say sedatives enable rapid treatment for drug-related behavioral emergencies and psychotic episodes, protect front-line responders from violence and are safely administered thousands of times annually to get people with life-threatening conditions to hospitals. Critics say forced sedation should be strictly limited or banned, arguing the medications, given without consent, are too risky to be administered during police encounters.
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
The nine California towns where you can still snap up a home for $150,000
Chinese GP witnesses Shanghai's racing evolution
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
DR ELLIE CANNON: Why do I get pain in my armpit during a strenuous bike ride?
Sale continues dominant run as Braves beat Padres 3
Sam Cam in fresh row over her 'shocking' refusal to make her clothes in Britain
Digital technologies restore looks of 2,200
Duplantis sails to victory in Suzhou, Simbine beats Coleman