Locations:

Harford Academy 100 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015 0800–1000 hrs.

Harford County Sheriff’s Office Academy, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD, 21015

Approximately 1000–1130 hours

Training Overview:

This training will provide law enforcement officers with practical knowledge and strategies for effectively, safely, and respectfully interacting with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration oversees community-based services for more than 20,000 individuals. Officers may encounter individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, and acquired brain injuries.

Participants will learn to:

• Recognize the characteristics and diverse needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Understand how disabilities may affect communication, behavior, comprehension, and responses to law enforcement authority.

• Identify practical strategies to promote positive interactions during routine patrol encounters, crisis situations, and emergency responses.

• Apply effective communication and de-escalation techniques to improve outcomes for individuals, officers, and the community.

Jamie Auer

Crisis Intervention Team Coordinator

Office on Mental Health

Core Service Agency of Harford County

410-303-8319

http://harfordmentalhealth.org/