Do better for the mentally ill

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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On Monday, the same day that investigators released details about last week's Keokuk County shootout that claimed two lives, Gov. Terry Branstad declared that the state should take over operation of mental health operations from the counties. House Republicans expect to unveil a similar plan this week.

We're anxious to see details. But any overhaul should also help close gaps in the mental health care and legal systems through which Jeff Krier apparently fell.

Krier, who had a long history of mental illness, opened fire on the Keokuk County Sheriff and two officers as they tried to follow up on concerns about his mental state. One shotgun slug fired by Krier blew through a police vehicle and into the head of Sgt. Eric Stein, instantly killing the 39-year-old, investigators said. After a three-hour standoff, after the remaining officers and other responders fired 115 rounds to Krier's 49, the suspect was gunned down.

The Iowa Attorney General's Office ruled Monday that shooting Krier was justified because he had killed a deputy and refused to give up his weapons.

This incident was tragic on many fronts. For one, the loss of a dedicated, respected young deputy, the father of a young daughter, a man who loved serving his community.

For another, Krier's troubles and his family's pain. For three decades, he struggled with mental illness, family members said last week. As recently as Feb. 28, they tried to have Krier committed for mental problems. A few days later, a judge decided against commitment.

Keokuk County Sheriff Jeff Shipley said Monday they had gone to Krier's home to “help him.” But, “How do you deal with the unknown?”

A question that prompts others, including: Could Iowa's mental health and legal system have served Krier better months or even years ago? Did medical privacy laws or communication practices among agencies constrain swharing of information that might have been helped officers save two lives on April 4?

We support the governor's plan for the state to take mental health funding off local property taxpayers and ensure that every county's residents can access consistent levels of service. But we also urge legislators not to reduce vital services or remove management of their delivery from county hands. Local professionals know their clients best and have a good track record on controlling administrative costs.

Mentally ill Iowans, among our most vulnerable citizens, with many housed in our prisons, also need a system that provides more than bare-bones services awnd coordinates well with agencies that need to be involved.

Even with an upgraded system in place, the tragedy in Keokuk County may not have been averted. But that doesn't justify not trying to do better.

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