Law enforcement officers’ interactions with autistic individuals: Commonly reported incidents and use of force

• Published in: Research in developmental disabilities Vol. 131; p. 104371
• Main Authors: Gardner, Lauren, Cederberg, Charles, Hangauer, Jason, Campbell, Jonathan M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2022
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorder; Calls; Law enforcement; Outcomes; Calls; Law enforcement; Autism spectrum disorder; Outcomes
• ISSN: 0891-4222; 1873-3379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104371

Little research exists examining interactions between law enforcement officers (LEOs) and autistic individuals. The present study includes responses from 130 LEOs who participated in autism-specific training and completed surveys assessing professional experiences responding to calls that involved individuals with known autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. The purpose of the present study was to determine the types of incidents LEOs respond to involving autistic people, and the level of force used in response to the incident. Analysis revealed four categories captured the majority of reported incidents: disruptive behavior, suspected abuse/neglect, elopement, and noncriminal behavior. The most commonly reported responses by LEOs included providing support and extreme controlling behaviors, with female officers more likely to report utilizing supportive behaviors and less force compared to male counterparts. •Law enforcement officers interact professionally with autistic individuals.•LEOs reported responding to disruptive behavior, suspected abuse/neglect, elopement, and noncriminal behavior calls.•Most common LEO responses include providing support or using extreme controlling behaviors.•Female officers more often report using supportive behaviors.