NCJ Number
195500
Date Published
October 2002
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This document provides information on how to approach and help crime victims with disabilities.
Abstract
Guidance is offered to police officers on how to approach and interact with victims that have Alzheimer’s disease, mental illness, or mental retardation, or that are blind, visually impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing. It is estimated that 17 percent of the United States population has one of these disabilities. Police officers can promote effective communication and best serve victims by re-thinking their attitudes about people that have disabilities; being careful not to label or define people by their impairment; and asking victims how they wish to be characterized and how to communicate with them most effectively. Two Federal laws--the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973--prohibit discrimination on the basis of a disability. Some tips on responding to crime victims with Alzheimer’s Disease are approaching the victim from the front and establishing eye contact; treating victims with dignity; removing them from crowds; and including them in all conversations. Tips on responding to crime victims with mental illness include approaching victims in a calm, non-threatening manner; contacting the local mental health crisis center; and asking victims if they are taking any medications. Some tips on responding to crime victims with mental retardation are showing respect; not assuming victims are incapable of understanding or communicating; and creating a safe atmosphere with limited distractions. Tips on responding to crime victims that are blind or visually impaired include not speaking loudly; avoiding lapses of conversation during the interview; offering to fill out forms; and orienting victims to their surroundings. Some tips on responding to crime victims that are deaf or hard of hearing are signaling presence by waving hand; determining how victims desire to communicate; and not assuming victims are unable to speak or use their voice.