A cop trained in crisis intervention (CIT) has ignited controversy with an Oregonian editorial saying the training would not have saved James Chasse. Stuart Palmiter, a Northeast precinct officer who has saved six suicidal people from trying to jump off Portland Bridges, wrote on Tuesday:

I have read one too many articles and letters written about the unfortunate death of James Chasse, while he was in the custody of Portland police, by people who don’t have a clue what they’re talking about.

He continues:

CIT training cannot help with a person who runs away from me or chooses to fight once I catch up with him. When someone is combative, it’s my job to control him with the least risk, to him and to myself. It’s not a contest. It’s not a game. It’s a fight, and the community must understand that there can be only one winner — the police officer.

Lastly:

Consider a few statistics: From 2000 through the first six months of 2006, Portland police made 242,921 arrests. We also placed an additional 11,903 people on mental health holds. During that time, we had two in-custody deaths.

These deaths, Palmiter describes as “tragedies.” But Andrew Szatkowski, of the “Justice for James Chasse” committee, has responded by sending a stinging letter to the Oregonian’s editor. Here’s a quote:

Stuart Palmiter provides many statistics, none with any bearing on the Chasse case. Consider: one man committing zero crimes was beaten by two officers and one deputy breaking 16 ribs in 26 places. Appropriate medical care was denied for almost two hours. That’s why James died.

Szatkowski is urging others to comment on the officer’s editorial by writing a letter to the O. You can mail yours here.