Roughly five million Californians live with a disability, and odds are that the peace officer will be called upon to assist an individual with a disability during the course of his or her duties. As first responders and investigators, peace officers may be the most important contact a victim will have with the criminal justice system. It is imperative that the officer’s approach reflects the values of dignity, respect, protection, and service that those in law enforcement owe to every victim of crime regardless of who they are. This video is divided into three distinct areas: 1) Sensory disabilities, 2) Developmental disabilities, and 3) Physical disabilities. The scenarios presented are designed to address some of the issues associated with law enforcement and its role in interviewing persons with disabilities. Each scenario is followed by a Strategies and Tactics section to provide additional ideas and information for effective interviewing. Law enforcement agencies located in California may order online. Non-California POST agencies must contact the California Attorney
General’s Office, Nancy Edialin, at (916) 323-5327 to order.