WINNIPEG-

A judge in Manitoba is calling for a special team of police and paramedics to intervene when people are in crisis.

The recommendation is contained in an investigative report examining five men who died in police custody in Winnipeg over 12 months in 2018 and 2019.

The investigation determined that these men died while being restrained by police and awaiting medical attention.

The deaths were unrelated, but in each case the men were under the influence of drugs, acting agitated and requiring medical attention that did not arrive in a timely manner.

Coroner Lindy Choy calls the deaths tragic.

When a person is in distress and may need medication, he recommends that an officer and a medical professional jointly respond to the call.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 25, 2024.