Intersectionality at the Intercepts: Diverting Special Populations

• In Event: Roundtable: Reforms in Law Enforcement

Abstract

Contact with law enforcement officers and the criminal justice system—either as perpetrators of criminal activities or as victims—begins early for many people with exceptionalities, specifically for those with mental and behavioral health diagnoses, including autism spectrum disorders. Limited social and communication skills of many people with exceptionalities leads to high rates of victimization (Tint et.al, 2017) and can challenge law enforcement agents' procedural justice protocols, resulting in an increased use of force when they are having an interaction in the community (e.g., police officer delivers command to citizen and the citizen does not comply). The purpose of this roundtable is to discuss current and potential diversionary efforts at each point along the Sequential Intercept Model (Munetz & Griffin, 2006). Participants will also hear about a multi-year funded project involving local law enforcement agencies, behavioral health agencies, disability service providers, and community members with exceptionalities and/or their families. The aims of the project include: (a) increase awareness for all involved parties; (b) increase safe interactions between police and people with exceptionalities by training both parties using a transactional curriculum; and (c) improve community relations and procedural justice among local law enforcement and community members with exceptionalities and/or their families.

Authors

• Kelly M. Carrero, Texas A&M University-Commerce

• Michele P. Bratina, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

• Jennifer Christensen, St Cloud State