Connecting with Our Communities: Safe and successful interactions for CIT officers and community members living with developmental and intellectual disabilities
Thursday, March 23, 2023
12:00-2:00 PM via Zoom
As first responders, law enforcement officers may encounter individuals living with developmental or intellectual disabilities and other co-occurring conditions. Understanding how to interact with people with living with developmental or intellectual disabilities—including identification, communication, and de-escalation—can enhance the safety and effectiveness of these interactions. This Special Topics training will provide an overview of this topic from the perspectives of law enforcement including emerging issues and practical tips officers can use to respond effectively to this population.
Training Objectives
Participants will consider a people‐first perspective for community members living with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will reconsider ineffective and unsafe ways of viewing members of the community living with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will understand the implications and possible expressions of certain developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will understand and discuss engagement strategies that support safe and effective interactions with community members living with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Participants will identify and assess community resources in their jurisdictions that specialize in serving community members living with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Presenter: Jay Hyland, Training Manager, NAFI-CT; Lieutenant (Ret.) University of Connecticut Police Department