A Cleveland advocate for the disabled is calling for answers in the death of 37-year-old Tanisha Anderson, who died in police custody after her family called for mental health assistance.
James Lamb serves on a Senior Advisory Council for Cleveland's Department of Aging—a city agency that also advocates on behalf of adults with disabilities.
Lamb, who has successfully lived with his own disability, is concerned over the length of time it has taken to investigate Anderson's death.
A medical examiner's report ruled Anderson died after being restrained by officers.
"Tanisha Anderson was a person—Tanisha Anderson fits into a group that I was born in and live in," said Lamb.
Anderson's case has yet to reach a grand jury and both officers involved remain on the force and have not yet been disciplined.
"I said to myself and I said to the Board—listen, we need to speak up."
Among the questions that concern Lamb is what can be done to ensure those with mental disabilities are treated fairly.
"We need dialogue for this," said Lamb, "and if there's something wrong, let's find out a reason or a way to bring about some solution."
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