Investigation Underway After James Dehart Died In Sacramento Police Department Custody While Handcuffed In Patrol Vehicle
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (August 23, 2024) – A man identified as James Dehart has tragically died in Sacramento police department custody in East Del Paso Heights.
Sacramento police officials are saying that they were called to the 3600 block of Jasmine Street for a welfare check. The mother of James Dehart asked for police assistance out of fear that he might harm himself.
There was also a concern that the man may be under the influence and in need of psychiatric help. When the police encountered James Dehart, they briefly spoke with him before he ran away.
He barricaded himself in a car, and officers negotiated with him for seven minutes. Eventually, officers were able to subdue the man and place him in handcuffs before putting him in the back of a patrol vehicle.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to render medical aid to the man. James Dehart was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The Sacramento Police Department has recently released the body camera footage of officers involved in the arrest.
Liability For Sacramento County In Custody Deaths
Police encounters can be very dangerous for all involved, even in the best of circumstances. According to the Law Enforcement Epidemiology Project, “In the U.S. during a given year, an estimated 1 million civilians experience police threat of or use of force resulting in a conservative estimate of 75,000 non-fatal injuries requiring hospital treatment and 600-1000 deaths.” There are a number of steps that police officers should take in order to avoid needlessly harming or killing suspects.
- Police officers should work to de-escalate encounters.
- Police officers should be trained to recognize when a suspect is in the midst of a mental health crisis.
- Police officers should operate off of a use-of-force continuum. They should use the least amount of force necessary and only escalate as a last resort.
All police officers must use a great deal of care in order to keep suspects safe. Pursuant to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of any statute, law or ordinance, causes a citizen of the United States to be deprived of their rights secured by the constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. When a police officer uses excessive force or fails to get a suspect prompt medical care, this could form the basis of a constitutional claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any in-custody death.
- Body camera footage of all officers involved should be reviewed.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records related to the death should be collected.
- The actions of officers leading up to the death should be understood.
Deaths in police custody are largely preventable. Police officers should understand that suspects who are under the influence are much more susceptible to dying in an encounter. It is crucial that officers use the least amount of force necessary and call for medical aid as soon as possible. But in far too many situations, officers make encounters worse by holding suspects down or putting them under tight restraints. This can easily lead to positional asphyxia and death.
Investigating Sacramento Police Department Custody Deaths
We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of James Dehart. This man needed help, but instead he was allowed to go into medical distress in the back of a patrol vehicle. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family. It is our sincere hope that there is accountability and proactive steps to prevent similar tragedies.
Do you need more information about a Sacramento County police custody death? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to holding police departments accountable for their unconstitutional actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.
Legal Disclaimer
