I was once in a similar situation as Charles Kinsey: taking care of someone mentally ill in public and police got involved. The cop listened to me, decided to side with me, and helped me de-escalate; most importantly, he backed off when I said his presence was making things worse. I was, and remain, grateful.

PS: I didn’t get shot.

PPS: I’m white.

Black Man Shot by Police While Lying on the Ground With His Hands Up