The family of a 22-year-old autistic man shot by a Nampa police officer is pushing for standardized training and co-responder models after the Friday-night incident that began with the man calling police for help. According to relatives, Ian Glass had left his assisted-living facility after curfew and was experiencing paranoia. Glass, a man on the autism spectrum, had reportedly called 911 himself, asking for help after a series of emotional and psychological challenges. Officers responding to the call encountered him with a knife, and commands were issued to drop the weapon. However, just moments later, an officer fired, wounding Glass. The situation escalated rapidly, leaving many questions about whether a less-forceful approach could have been taken. Family members of Glass argue that the officers, upon recognizing that Glass had autism, should have prioritized de-escalation techniques aimed at neurodivergent behavior. They contend that the approach should have included slower movements, a calm tone, and attempts at reassurance. Nampa Police Departments official policy stipulates that officers should only use the amount of force necessary for compliance under the circumstances. The family believes the encounter escalated too quickly, given Glasss condition. His sister, speaking to local reporters, stated that the family had not been properly informed about the incident following the shooting, raising concerns about communication during critical incidents. The incident has triggered broader conversations within the community and law enforcement about the need for specialized training in handling cases involving individuals with developmental disabilities, especially those in crisis. In the aftermath of the shooting, calls for reform have echoed across both local and national forums. One of the most discussed solutions is the implementation of co-responder programs, which pair law enforcement officers with mental health professionals or social workers. Proponents of this model argue that such teams can more effectively handle situations involving emotional or psychological distress, providing the kind of rapid, clinical support that officers may not be trained to offer. Co-responder programs are becoming increasingly popular in police departments nationwide, especially in communities where mental health challenges, including autism, are prevalent. These programs provide officers with additional resources to de-escalate situations and make better decisions in the heat of the moment. Critics of the current response model point out that mental health calls are often treated with the same urgency and response as violent crimes, without considering the nuances of the situation. Advocates say that integrating mental health professionals into police response teams would help mitigate such conflicts and reduce the number of unnecessary confrontations. For law enforcement agencies, handling calls involving mental health or developmental issues requires a specific set of tactics that prioritize safety and clarity. The presence of a trained social worker or mental health expert could have made all the difference in Glasss case, advocates say. Key strategies for handling situations like this include ensuring clear communication with the individual, providing simple and direct commands, and using low-force methods when engaging with someone who may be in crisis. At the same time, officers need to be trained to recognize the signs of psychological distress and respond in a way that minimizes the risk of escalation. The use of force during the incident remains under investigation, with both body-worn camera footage and witness statements under review. The familys advocacy for standardized training and policy changes is gaining momentum, and they have vowed to continue pushing for better resources and support for law enforcement officers who respond to mental health crises.