The New York City Police Department has told its new officers that synthetic marijuana is turning people into violent, super-strong aggressors best subdued with stun guns and pepper spray, according to training materials. The NYPD is teaching police recruits about “excited delirium syndrome,” described as a “medical emergency” linked to drug use, characterized by symptoms like increased physical strength and elevated body temperatures, and can lead to sudden death by cardiac arrest. However, the medical establishment has disavowed the syndrome as vague and pseudoscientific.
There has been controversy around excited delirium since its emergence in the late 2000s when it was linked to explaining deaths in police custody. High-profile police killings have cited it, and some states have addressed the issue, with California banning it as an official cause of death. New York has yet to take these steps, despite criticisms from various medical associations.
The syndrome has been denounced as vague and non-specific, with concerns over excessive police force, particularly in cases where Black men die in law enforcement custody. The training materials also encourage the use of stun guns and pepper spray for control and reference synthetic marijuana as a contributing factor, despite skepticism from medical professionals.
Overall, the article discusses the controversy surrounding excited delirium syndrome and its use as a medical diagnosis in police custody. It highlights the concerns raised by medical associations and experts, as well as the problematic strategy that the NYPD is teaching its police recruits. The article ultimately emphasizes the need for a more evidence-based and health-focused approach to this topic.
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