The Pierre family believes the outcome could have been different had mental health professionals been involved - and has been vocal in pushing for more mental health professionals to respond to crises instead of police.
We've seen over and over that these situations turn fatal, when what people really need in that moment of vulnerability is help," said Sheina Banatte, Pierre's cousin.
This summer, the Civilian Complaint Review Board ruled that the officers who shot Pierre acted within NYPD guidelines, which has raised concerns about police responses to mental health crises.
The Department of Justice has also filed a lawsuit against the city over its handling of mental health emergencies, arguing that the city's reliance on police violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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