Officer Contact with Persons with Disabilities

Approach

• Give calm, clear and simple instructions, and allow extra time to respond.
• Do not read a lack of response as defiance. A person may be deaf, hard of hearing, non-verbal or in distress.
• Ask the person or a support person how best to communicate.

Communication

• For deaf or hard of hearing people, use writing, gestures, an interpreter or text.
• For people who cannot see, say who you are and what you are doing before touching them.
• Offer an explanation of any action in plain words.

Detention and arrest

• Check for medical alert items, medication, assistive devices and mobility needs.
• Allow the person to keep necessary medication and devices where safe.
• Use handcuffing and transport methods that suit the person's condition.
• Arrange medical support if their condition worsens.

Searches

Searches of a person's assistive device, wheelchair or service animal equipment must be as gentle and brief as safety allows.