30384
Developing an Autism Training for Police Officers in Australia Using a Collaborative Approach
Background: Evaluations of autism training for police (e.g., Hepworth, 2017; Kelly & Hassett-Walker, 2016; Teagardin et al., 2012) have been small scale and, to date, the empirical conclusions that can be drawn are moderate at best. People with autism and their families report low levels of satisfaction with police interactions, with police officers commonly reporting they require additional training in disability and autism (Crane et al., 2016).
Objectives:
This project utilized a collaborative approach to develop autism training for Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Police, informed by the literature and the perspectives of people with autism and their families, and members of ACT Police. Our research approach increased the opportunity for insider knowledge and expert advice when developing research questions, methods and intervention plans (Walmsley, 2010). This presentation reports on the circumstances in which people with autism are interacting with police in Australia; how interactions are perceived by autistic people and their family members; and to what extent autistic characteristics impacted on these interactions. It will also describe a collaborative approach to the development of police training and the particular insights gained by incorporating the views of people on the spectrum and their families.
Methods:
A literature review was conducted to evaluate the extant academic and grey literature regarding interactions between people with autism and police and the effectiveness of police training. People on the spectrum (n=50) and their family members/carers (n=64) completed an online questionnaire about their or their family member’s experience during an interaction with police in Australia in the preceding five years. A sample of adult respondents (n=12) and family members (n=18) participated in semi-structured interviews. Questions included demographic information, disclosure, nature of the interaction, levels of satisfaction, impact of autistic characteristics and suggestions about how the interaction could have been improved and what information police could provide to improve future interactions.
A working party comprised of representatives of all relevant stakeholders (ACT Police, adults with autism, parents of people with autism, an autism specific service organisation) was formed. Draft content was developed, informed by common strategies for first responders outlined in the literature, and the analysis of the survey and interview data.
A focus group of autistic people assessed their views regarding the accuracy and respectfulness of the proposed training material.
Results:
Levels of satisfaction and willingness to disclose diagnosis during interactions with police were related to autism severity and type of involvement. Level of satisfaction was associated with type of involvement with police, presence of additional co-existing conditions, and perceptions of procedural justice. Parents and carers reported higher levels of satisfaction than autistic adults. Qualitative analysis indicated need for autism training for police, with a particular focus on strategies to enhance communication and de-escalation.
Conclusions:
People on the spectrum report unsatisfactory experiences with police, especially when the police are unaware of the person’s diagnosis. Training programs that would increase awareness and teach specific strategies are strongly endorsed by autistic people and their families.