From Sore to Soar
Police Interaction
At-a-glance
Officers should be trained in mental illness, And understand signs of missed medication. They should communicate in a direct, calming voice and know how to minimize revengeful acts and aggressive language. Anything you do or say can be used against you in a court of law. Allow offers to make informed complex decisions. BE POLITE, not confrontational REPORT NAME, ADDRESS, AND AGE, AVOID MAKING SUDDEN MOVEMENTS, REMAIN CALM, DO NOT RUN AWAY,, DO NOT SIGN ANY FORMS. Disclosure can be made verbally or through an information card or bracelet. Advocate for crisis plans, know common places you may be confronted or screened, AND role-play interactions. it’s okay NOT to answer questions until you’re accompanied by an attorney, guardian, or advocacy organization who UNDERSTANDS your disability (Debbadt, 2006; Pacer Center, Inc., 2009, Lipson et al. 2010)
The Action is in the Interaction” - Douglas Conant
Supportive Advosources
Autism Speaks
Wesbite: https://www.autismspeaks.org
Description: Understanding autism across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, how better understanding can support better outcomes in police interactions with autistics.
* Children of Fallen Heroes (military, foster care, first responders)
Description: remember heroes, support groups, memorial activities, community outreach, resources and referrals, honoring heroes tour with professional parachute demonstration
Pacer Center, Inc.
Website: https://www.pacer.org
Description: Provides information on what Youth should do if questioned by police, how to communicate with probation officers, and the correction systems.
References
Debbaudt (2006). Interacting with Law Enforcement. Autism Speaks. Retrieved from: https://www.autismspeaks.org/interacting-law-enforcement
Lipson, G. S., Turner, J. T., Kasper, R. (2010). A strategic approach to police interactions involving persons with mental illness. Journal of Police Crisis Negotiations, 10 p. 30-38
Pacer Center, Inc. (2021). What youth need to know if they are questioned by police: Tips for parents to prepare their youth with a disability. Retrieved from: https://paautism.org/resource/teens-police-questioning. Action Sheet, PHP-c171.