This in-depth report examines the Morris, Illinois police shooting of Alivia Schwab, highlighting released body camera footage and broader issues surrounding police responses to mental health crises.
- Date & Location: September 29, Morris, Illinois
- Subject: Alivia Schwab, 40, reportedly suicidal and holding a knife
- Footage: Body camera video released by Morris police, showing commands prior to an officer firing on Schwab
When Weapons Are Involved, Officer Safety Is Non-Negotiable
In every police encounter, the presence of a weapon constitutes a clear and immediate threat—regardless of the individual’s state of mind. On the night officers responded to Alivia Schwab’s apartment, police faced an unpredictable, armed individual. Schwab was reported to be suicidal, holding a knife as police issued repeated orders to drop the weapon.
Some lawsuits and segments of public opinion continue to lobby for leniency or different standards for those experiencing mental health crises. Yet this overlooks a fundamental truth: A weapon, no matter how it is held or pointed, has the potential for life-threatening harm, and every split-second hesitation may endanger police and bystanders alike.
Mental Health Is No Excuse for Lowering Safety Protocols
While compassion and de-escalation are ideals, they must not overshadow the primary mission of law enforcement: to secure the scene and protect lives—including their own.
- Officers repeatedly attempted verbal de-escalation, instructing Schwab to drop the knife.
- Use of a Taser was discussed, yet officers made the split-second decision that the risk to their lives remained too high to rely solely on non-lethal force when facing an armed subject.
- Lethal force was employed quickly and decisively, as should always be the standard when faced with an armed threat.
Setting the Standard: Armed Subjects Must Be Treated Equally
Calls for “special handling” ignore the realities faced by responding officers. Non-lethal options might not be prudent when weapons are present, as these tools are not fail-safe and the margin for error can be deadly. Expecting officers to gamble with their own safety or the lives of others for the sake of appearance or public perception is unacceptable.
Police must demand and maintain consistent standards of safety—regardless of the age, background, or mental health status of the subject. When a weapon is present, force is justified. This unwavering approach is not cruelty; it is responsibility.
Addressing Public Concerns
Some will argue that mental health crises necessitate a softer touch. The reality is that such a mindset can cost lives—both civilian and law enforcement. A knife is a deadly weapon in any hand, and hesitation or inconsistent application of policy can have tragic consequences.
- Lawsuits and advocacy campaigns cannot change this foundational reality.
- Officer training should continue to emphasize awareness of mental health but never at the expense of tactical safety.
Takeaway for Every Community
Police deserve public support, clarity, and trust. That starts with clear, forceful protocols:
- A subject with a weapon is a threat.
- Use of force in these cases is justified—no exceptions.
- All lives depend on officers upholding the highest standards of response, every time.
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