Whenever someone dies while in police custody, it is imperative that an outside authority investigate the circumstances. That process is underway in the death of Lashano Gilbert, 31, a native of the Bahamas, who New London police report died after they had to use a Taser to subdue him during an altercation in the station. It was the second time police had used a Taser on the suspect, the first coming during his original arrest.

The purpose of investigating the incident goes beyond determining whether there was any criminal misconduct by police, it can also ascertain if procedures were followed and if they can be improved to reduce the likelihood of such a thing happening again.

Police officers can face difficult, split-second decisions in balancing the need to protect themselves and the public against the dangers of using excessive force. Were officers justified in twice using a Taser on the suspect? While considered an alternative to lethal force, Tasers themselves have often proved fatal, with at least 15 Taser-related deaths in Connecticut, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut. Additionally, investigators should examine whether police could have done a better job of maintaining control of the situation within the police station.

In the case of Mr. Gilbert, the investigation should try to determine why he was acting irrationally and - say family members - so out of character.

Conducting the outside investigation will be the State Police Major Crime Squad. It will report to the New London County State's Attorney's Office, which has prosecutorial authority. New London police will carry out their own internal investigation.

Family members say Mr. Gilbert earned a medical degree in Cuba and was studying in Canada when he made a surprise visit to an aunt who lives in New London. Police say when they encountered Mr. Gilbert, he was acting strangely, having jumped into a car stopped at Williams and Broad streets, frightening the driver. Police say he struggled when they attempted to make an arrest, with a Taser fired to subdue him.

After treatment at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, he was taken to a cell at the New London police station. There, according to the police accounts, he twisted his pants as if making a rope out of them. When officers opened the cell door to intervene, Mr. Gilbert pushed by them and into the booking area. He again fought with officers, tossing objects and biting an officer, and was again subdued using a Taser, according to police. He died during transport back to the hospital.

At a press conference Tuesday, the NAACP and the ACLU of Connecticut announced they plan to conduct their own review. That's an appropriate role for these groups, which are dedicated to defending civil rights.

However, their call for U.S. Justice Department involvement appears at best premature. While Mr. Gilbert was a person of color, at this point there is no indication race played a role in how police handled the situation.

By any measure this was a tragic event raising many questions that deserve answers.