How do you interview a witness who is deaf? How
do you assist a person who is having a seizure? How do you transport a suspect who uses a wheelchair?
These questions are found a Department of Justice’s Web site created to assist law enforcement with dealing with disabled individuals. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, people who have disabilities are entitled to the same services law enforcement provides to non-disabled individuals. The DOJ has several compliance assistance materials to help local law enforcement officers understand how to interact with victims, witnesses, suspects and others who have disabilities.
-
Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: ADA Guide for Law Enforcement Officers - This eight-panel pocket guide provides basic information for officers about communicating effectively with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
-
Model Policy for Law Enforcement on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing - This four-page document serves as a model for law enforcement agencies when adopting a policy on effective communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Agencies are encouraged to download and adapt the policy to suit their needs.
-
Commonly Asked Questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act and Law Enforcement - This 12-page fact sheet answers frequent questions about the ADA and its effect on law enforcement services involving people with disabilities.
-
Questions and Answers: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Hiring Police Officers - This five-page fact sheet answers frequent questions about the ADA and its impact on law enforcement officers with disabilities.
In addition, agencies may request a free eight-part video series entitled "Police Response to People with Disabilities." Designed for use in roll-call training, this videotape addresses law enforcement situations involving people who have mobility disabilities, mental illnesses, mental retardation, epilepsy or seizure disorders, speech disabilities, deafness or hard of hearing and blindness or low vision. The eight segments range from 5 ½ to 10 ½ minutes in length. Order the video online at www.ada.gov/policevideoform.htm or call 800.514.0301.
Visit the DOJ’s Web site for additional information at www.ada.gov/policeinfo.htm.