Interacting with the Intellectually persons

Question 1

What is the purpose of the policy on interacting with individuals with I/DD?

Answer 1

To provide guidelines for accommodating, interacting, and communicating with individuals with I/DD.

Question 2

According to the Lexington Police Department policy, how should officers treat individuals with I/DD?

Answer 2

With dignity and respect, utilizing de-escalation protocols when appropriate.

Question 3

What does the term ‘Developmental Disability (DD)’ encompass?

Answer 3

Various impairments resulting in functional limitations in major life activities.

Question 4

Can Developmental Disabilities (DD) include physical disabilities?

Answer 4

Yes, some DDs may consist of physical or sensory impairments only.

Question 5

How can officers and civilian employees identify individuals with I/DD?

Answer 5

By being aware of general behaviors or characteristics of the population.

Question 6

What are some indicators that officers should keep in mind when interacting with individuals with I/DD?

Answer 6

Difficulty communicating, unawareness of danger, trouble making eye contact, etc.

Question 7

How should officers use body language when interacting with individuals with I/DD?

Answer 7

Use nonthreatening body language, soft gestures, avoid abrupt movements, and keep hands visible.

Question 8

Why should officers maintain a safe distance when interacting with individuals with I/DD?

Answer 8

To provide a zone of comfort for the person and as a buffer for officer safety.

Question 9

Why should officers be prepared for a potentially long encounter with individuals with I/DD?

Answer 9

De-escalation using calming communication techniques may take time; notify E911 and supervisor.

Question 10

How should officers interpret atypical or odd behavior in individuals with I/DD?

Answer 10

Do not interpret such behavior as belligerent; it may be a protective mechanism.

Question 11

What should officers do if a person with I/DD is reaching into a pocket or bag?

Answer 11

Officers should understand it could be to pull out an identification card.

Question 12

Why should officers call the appropriate contact person, support person, or disability advocacy organization?

Answer 12

To seek specific advice on calming or ensuring the safety of the person.

Question 13

How can officers facilitate communication with individuals who have I/DD?

Answer 13

Some individuals carry a book of universal communication icons for assistance.

Question 14

What are some behaviors individuals with ASD might exhibit?

Answer 14

Lack of verbal communication, monotone speech, repetition of words, repetitive body movements, unusual behaviors, walking on toes, and more.

Question 15

What should officers do when a person with ASD is missing, especially related to water?

Answer 15

Check all nearby bodies of water immediately.

Question 16

What type of encounters might police have with individuals with I/DD?

Answer 16

Encounters could relate to nuisance calls, odd behavior, suspected mental illness, crisis, substance abuse, or presumed crimes without awareness.

Question 17

What should CIT-trained officers do when encountering a person with I/DD?

Answer 17

Report encounters on forms provided with the CIT curriculum.

Question 18

How might people with I/DD act during common encounters like wandering?

Answer 18

They may wander aimlessly, inappropriately clothed, or enter unlocked spaces.

Question 19

What situations might officers encounter related to calls for medical assistance with people with I/DD?

Answer 19

They may encounter individuals with seizure-like symptoms.

Question 20

How do encounters involving people with I/DD often manifest in terms of alleged criminal activities?

Answer 20

Most contacts involve non-criminal activities, which might seem like domestic disputes or disturbances.

Question 21

From whom should officers gather the most information about individuals with I/DD in various situations?

Answer 21

The officer’s greatest source of information comes from the individual themselves.

Question 22

Why might persons with I/DD have difficulty understanding social conventions?

Answer 22

People with I/DD might not understand social conventions due to their cognitive disabilities.

Question 23

How can officers help de-escalate situations involving individuals with I/DD?

Answer 23

Officers should speak calmly and use simple, direct language when interacting with individuals with I/DD.

Question 24

Why are people with cognitive disabilities more susceptible to victimization?

Answer 24

They lack social skills, awareness, and may struggle to distinguish between lawful and unlawful acts.

Question 25

What strategies should officers use to interact with individuals with I/DD?

Answer 25

Officers should repeat short, direct phrases calmly and avoid using slang or loud commands.

Question 26

How should civilian employees request assistance when encountering individuals with I/DD?

Answer 26

They should request assistance from nearby officers, radio, or call E911 to dispatch officers.

Question 27

Why should officers seek alternatives to physical custody for individuals with I/DD?

Answer 27

To avoid initiating severe anxiety response and escalating the situation.

Question 28

What should officers do in minor offense situations involving individuals with I/DD?

Answer 28

Explain circumstances to the complainant and explore alternative means to remedy the situation.

Question 29

In serious offense situations, what guidelines should officers follow when dealing with individuals with I/DD?

Answer 29

Contact a supervisor, refer to specific series for searching, avoid body weight restraints, request CIT-trained officers if necessary, employ calming language, and provide comfort items.

Question 30

How should officers handle interviews or interrogations of people suspected of having I/DD?

Answer 30

Consult with a supervisor to determine how to proceed.

Question 31

What is the importance of training in interacting with individuals suspected of having I/DD?

Answer 31

Training ensures officers can recognize and appropriately interact with such individuals.

Question 32

How often should refresher training for officers regarding individuals with I/DD be coordinated?

Answer 32

At least triennially.