Law enforcement’s response to crime reporting by people with disabilities

Abstract

One hundred and thirty three US law enforcement departments completed a survey about protocols used to serve crime victims with disabilities, such as asking about and providing accommodations and recording disability and accommodation information. Most departments did not have these protocols and service and community based barriers were indicated. Cross-training and co-advocacy between law enforcement and disability agencies were supported. Two recommendations are offered: provide disability awareness training to law enforcement and ask all victims if they need accommodation and supports. Finally, systematic use of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of disability is also recommended.

Keywords:

• law enforcement
• victims with disabilities
• accommodations
• cross-training

Acknowledgements

This project was funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133A031724). Correspondence should be directed to Mary Oschwald, Regional Research Institute, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, Oregon 97207-0751. Email: [email protected]. Phone: [phone].