Christopher J. Marier

Colorado becomes 2nd state to ban use of ‘excited delirium’ | 9news.com

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Christopher Marier
in

Colorado will become only the second state in the country to prohibit use of the controversial term “excited delirium” on such official documents as police and autopsy reports after Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill into law Thursday.

The new law, inspired by a lengthy 9NEWS/KFF Health News investigation, follows legislation initially passed in California last year.

Our investigation tied more than 225 deaths across the U.S. to use of the term. Almost all followed prone – or facedown – restraint, use of a stun gun, or both.

Full story: Colorado becomes 2nd state to ban use of ‘excited delirium’ | 9news.com

Comments

2 responses to “Colorado becomes 2nd state to ban use of ‘excited delirium’ | 9news.com”

  1. Mateo Oropesa

    After reading this and further understanding what excited delirium is, it makes me wonder if this ban regarding the word of “excited delirium” will spread to all of the United States? The fact that this term has been attributed to at least 225 deaths is baffling. The team discovered this through some of their own research, if a bigger company or organization with more resources investigated there would certainly be more deaths uncovered in relation to this term. I personally think that this term should be banned nationwide and that we need to find a way to have the officers associated to be held accountable for their behaviors. As I was reading this article, I was reminded of what occurred with George Floyd, as he was suffering from asphyxia and I imagine that many of these cases occur from officers suffocating people as they face down. This term only exists to excuse intentional or unintentional murder.

    Reply
    1. Drew Van Hise

      The call for a nationwide ban on the use of the term “excited delirium” is understandable given its association with numerous deaths, as highlighted by the investigative research. The staggering number of deaths attributed to this term underscores the urgency of addressing its implications in law enforcement practices. Expanding the ban beyond Colorado could lead to greater accountability and transparency in policing nationwide. It’s essential to hold officers accountable for their actions and to address systemic issues that contribute to such tragedies. The parallels drawn between cases like George Floyd’s and the use of this term highlight the need for comprehensive reform to prevent incidents of asphyxia and other forms of excessive force. Ultimately, banning the term “excited delirium” nationally could be a crucial step in promoting justice and preventing further harm.

      Reply

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