Law Enforcement Interactions: The Role of Communication Sciences and Disorders Professionals

Abstract

Issues related to law enforcement interactions with individuals with disabilities, communication impairments, and/or limited English language proficiency can have deleterious effects due to possible communication breakdowns. These populations are significantly more likely to be victims of a crime and are more likely to have interactions with law enforcement officers than those without disabilities. Difficulties may be encountered due to limited training and resources available to law enforcement and a lack of public awareness on the topic. This article calls upon professionals in communication sciences and disorders to raise awareness among the patients/clients and families they serve and calls on law enforcement to provide trainings, education, and exposure to various de-escalation techniques to support officers dealing with these vulnerable populations.

The importance of screening for speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in police custody

“…The varied and complex presentation of SLCN can make early identification difficult. While impairment of pronunciation is relatively easy to detect without any professional expertise, SLCN are mostly a ‘hidden’ disability and so difficulties such as poor understanding and use of expressive language are usually less noticeable to non‐experts (Neave‐DiToro, Fuse & Bergen, 2019). In police custody settings, few of the professionals that a detainee is likely to encounter will have any expertise in identifying SLCN, much less providing appropriate support (Oluboku, 2019).…”

“…SLCN have been described as a 'hidden' disability; with difficulties such as poor understanding and use of expressive language are often not noticeable to non-experts (Neave-DiToro, Fuse & Bergen, 2019). The social model of disability identifies societal and environmental barriers which are disabling for people with impairments (Oliver, 1996).…”