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Sheneen McClain, right, mother of Elijah McClain, is comforted by Colorado state Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, outside the Aurora, Colo., police department, June 27, 2020, during a rally and march over the death of Elijah McClain.

AP Photo / David Zalubowski

Patty Nieberg, Denver-based AP Report For America journalist, pulled back the curtain on ketamine injections, a technique used by police to subdue suspects that played a role in last year’s death of 23-year-old Elijah McClain after a police stop in suburban Denver. Nieberg talked to experts, reviewed medical studies and police policies, and analyzed cases where ketamine has been used. She found a lack of police training, conflicting medical standards and nonexistent protocols that have resulted in hospitalizations and deaths.

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Demonstrators carry placards during a rally and march over the death of 23-year-old Elijah McClain in Aurora, Colo., June 27, 2020. McClain died on his way home from the store after an excessive dose of ketamine was administered during a police stop.

AP Photo / David Zalubowski