Law Enforcement, Race, Ability: Confronting Bias With Education and Training (Poster 34)

• In Event: Thursday Poster Session 12:40 pm
  In Poster Session: Special and Inclusive Education Research SIG Poster Session A

Abstract

Across the United States, there have been documented instances of law enforcement officers’ lack of understanding of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Acknowledging intersections between race and ability associated with interactions with law enforcement is critical. New California legislation requires officers to document a person’s perceived developmental disability in interactions resulting in use of force. However, officers report a lack of training specific to developmental disabilities, knowledge regarding characteristics, and confidence interacting with individuals with autism. The current study examined the relationship between participation in a brief, 40-minute training and officer self-efficacy scores pre- and post-training using the Police Self-Efficacy for Autism scale. Results indicate a positive relationship between autism-specific training and officers’ reported self-efficacy scores.

Authors

• Kaylie Holke, Chapman University

• Meghan E. Cosier, Chapman University