Description
In this class you will learn about the impact of the criminal justice system upon victims, witnesses, and offenders with intellectual disabilities. The focus of this class is for the officer to learn how to recognize possible intellectual disabilities, and to know how to access appropriate supports, especially crisis services, to assist the officer with people with intellectual disabilities.
Upon successful completion of this class the officer will be able to:
- Discuss why officers need to know more about intellectual disabilities.
- Define intellectual disabilities and understand that people with intellectual disabilities may also have additional disabilities.
- Recognize the characteristics of intellectual disabilities that foster communication difficulties.
- Access crisis services to assist with people with intellectual disabilities.
- Observe appearance and communication patterns, obtain basic information about the person, and use appropriate interview skills with people with intellectual disabilities.
- Provide assistance to victims of crime with intellectual disabilities.
- Be aware of any necessary precautions that must be taken when placing a person with intellectual disabilities into custody.
