The Gaston Gazette in Gastonia, North Carolina

Training police to interact with developmental disabilities in Gaston

In Gaston County officers receive crisis intervention training to better engage with people who have developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome autism and traumatic brain injuries. The program includes listening to family and medical history, speaking simply and calmly, and ensuring Miranda rights are understood. Community experts urge explicit clear communication and warn about misreading body language, while local agencies pair with TEACCH and Partners Behavioral Health Management to ongoingly update curricula and add topics like officer self care.