Policing and People with Developmental Disabilities: Emerging Issues in the Field

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In recent years, there has been greater awareness that developmental disabilities may go undetected in individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system. As first responders, law enforcement officers may encounter people with developmental disabilities or co-occurring conditions (mental health conditions and developmental disabilities) and as such have an opportunity to set the stage for effective interactions with the justice system for this population. Understanding how to interact with people with developmental disabilities—including identification, communication, and de-escalation—can enhance the safety and effectiveness of these encounters.

Presented by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance's Academic Training to Inform Police Responses Initiative, this webinar will provide an overview of this topic from the perspectives of law enforcement and a person with a developmental disability, including emerging issues and practical tips officers can use to respond effectively to this population.

Speakers:

1. Chief William Scott, San Francisco (CA) Police Department

2. Chief Ronald Sellon, Mansfield (MA) Police Department

3. Russell Lehmann, Internationally Recognized Motivational Speaker, Author, and Advocate

4. Leigh Ann Davis, Senior Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives, The Arc of the United States and National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability

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Webinar Recording

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Downloadable Materials

PolicingPeopleWithDD-508

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PolicingPplDD_Transcript-508

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Crisis Response for Rural Communities

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Rural communities can face many challenges when developing and delivering crisis response programs for people with behavioral health conditions and intellectual and developmental disabilities, including wide geographic areas to serve, limitations in options for local treatment and social services, and resource constraints related to funding and staffing. Across the United States, rural communities have adapted most promising practices in crisis response to overcome these challenges and address the need for services in their jurisdictions by having mental health providers meet people in crisis where they are, either in-person or through telehealth services. These programs can prevent the need for additional resources, such as police and emergency medical services, to respond to individuals in crisis and may enhance short- and long-term outcomes for these individuals. Presented by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance's Academic Training to Inform Police Responses Initiative, this webinar featured two programs that have adapted crisis response for use in rural communities. Panelists presented the innovative approaches in crisis response implemented by their programs and discussed the challenges of ensuring the needs of individuals in crisis who live in rural communities are met. Additionally, the Academic Training project team highlighted key resources to support rural communities developing and implementing crisis response in their jurisdiction.

Presenter	Topic
Larry Smith, CPRSS Grand Lake Mental Health Center ​Josh Cantwell, LCSW Grand Lake Mental Health Center	The GLMHC App
​Kasey Parker Mental Health Association of Nebraska ​Captain Mike Woolman Lincoln (NE) Police Department	​A Unique Partnership of People with Lived Experiences, Law Enforcement, and Community Partners

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Webinar Recording

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Downloadable Materials

Rural Crisis Response Transcript

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Rural Crisis Response Slides

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Transforming Dispatch and Crisis Response Services

Historically, law enforcement has been the default response to all 911 calls for service, including incidents involving individuals experiencing crises related to behavioral health disorders and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities. It has been observed that many of these incidents are service-based calls, where the presence of law enforcement may not be needed. In recent years, communities have increased efforts to reorganize their crisis response systems, training 911 call-takers and dispatchers to shift away from directing law enforcement as first responders to these calls. This webinar features four programs that have leveraged the training, policies, and procedures of 911 call-takers and dispatch when restructuring their community’s response to crisis incidents. Panelists present the innovative approaches in crisis response implemented by their programs and discuss the challenges of ensuring appropriate services are dispatched to crisis incidents to best meet the needs of individuals.

Presentations

1. Training of CIT Dispatch Trainers Ruth H. Simera, Med, LSW; Executive Director Coordinating Centers of Excellence, Northeast Ohio Medical University

2. Colorado Justice Mental Health Collaboration Program: Dispatch / Crisis Services Collaboration Peggy Heil, LCSW; Behavioral Health Specialist Colorado Division of Criminal Justice Abigail S. Tucker, PsyD SHE Consulting, LLC

3. Albuquerque Police Department’s IDD Training for Telecommunicators Ben Melendrez, Detective Albuquerque (NM) Police Department

4. Transitioning 911 Response: San Francisco’s Street Crisis Response Team (SCRT) Pilot Program Robert Smuts, Deputy Director San Francisco Department of Emergency Management Simon Pang, Section Chief of Community Paramedicine San Francisco Fire Department

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Webinar Recording

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Downloadable Materials

Dispatch Transcript

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911 Distressed Caller Diversion Program in Broome County, NY

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Download PDF • 409KB

Dispatch Crisis Response_Slides

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Download PDF • 4.84MB