Law Enforcement and Individuals with Disabilities: Steps towards Service Improvement

Abstract

Abstract People with disabilities are more likely to interact with law enforcement personnel than the general population. Despite the increased likelihood of interactions, most jurisdictions lack protocols and report barriers to effective interaction and communication with individuals with disabilities. The Community Readiness Model (CRM) is a useful tool for guiding research and training in this area. The purposes of this study were to gain insight into the community of law enforcement personnel’s readiness to accommodate individuals with disabilities and uncover barriers to effectively serving individuals with disabilities. Using the CRM to develop the web-based survey, researchers collected data from 267 law enforcement personnel. Results provide information on the implementation of disability-related trainings, effectiveness when serving individuals with disabilities, and specific strengths and barriers that impact service to individuals with disabilities. Specific implications for law enforcement professionals include the development of trainings and technical assistance addressing specific disabilities and related accommodations.