From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — An organization that provides training to law enforcement on how to handle cases involving those with special needs, made a visit to Trussville on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.
Interaction Advisory Group (IAG) conducted the training on autism and developmental disability, with the Trussville Police Department. The training took place at the Trussville Civic Center.
Nearly one in five people live with special needs. Co-founder of IAG, Dustin Chandler, said the chance of first responders encountering those with special needs increases every day.
“Officers are going to encounter it, so what is the best way to keep that person safe, treat them fairly and have the best outcome that we can? That is what we are looking at,” Chandler explained. “When you get to know that community and have a personal connection with that community, you really see the struggles of everyday life.”
Chandler would know, as he has his own personal experience behind the badge and as a parent of a child with a developmental disability. As a former law enforcement officer, he said he remembers situations where he would have handled things differently if he would’ve had this type of training.
“My daughter being developmentally disabled really is what made me think more about this,” said Chandler. “It wasn’t that the training I received as a police officer wasn’t good, we just didn’t have this. What we do is look into not just what autism and developmental disabilities are but what the best and safest way for fair treatment is. We look at the best outcomes when interacting with people.”
Chandler said the training takes a deep dive into what type of behaviors officers can expect from those with disabilities. In fact, he said one Trussville officer told him she once encountered a person she suspected was under the influence of drugs. She later realized that person was living with a developmental disability and was not under the influence.
“I’ve worn a badge and I understand how hard the job is,” Chandler said. “We are letting officers know there are resources for them when they come across families dealing with these types of issues. These resources from the state come in handy when officers are called to handle situations that really they aren’t trained to manage.”
Police Chief Eric Rush said he wants his officers to gain the knowledge needed to respond to all types of calls.
“People with autism communicate and process things differently,” said Rush. “This training will teach our officers how to understand behavioral and physical cues allowing them to communicate more effectively with these individuals.”
Rush said the officers with the department were enthusiastic and willing to take part in the training.
For IAG, the training is all about safety for the public and the officers. With so many people living with these types of disabilities, Chandler said it is important for all first responders to understand the importance of this type of training.
“The individual may communicate differently and may not perceive the situation the same way that the officer does,” Chandler added. “And that’s where we have a lot of misunderstanding and we need officers to understand there is another path to take.”
IAG receives funding from grants through the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities, so the training is free for departments and organizations. Chandler hopes this training will continue to bridge the gap between law enforcement and those with developmental disabilities.