Police officer disability sensitivity training
| Published date | 01 June 2017 |
| Date | 01 June 2017 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X16674021 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Article
Police officer disability
sensitivity training:
A systematic review
Erna Viljoen, Juan Bornman
Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, University
of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
Louise Wiles
Centre for Population Health Research, University of South Australia,
Adelaide, Australia
Kerstin M To
¨nsing
Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, University
of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
Abstract
This paper presents a systematic research review regarding disability sensitivity training
programmes provided to police officers. Thirteen databases between 1980 and 2015
were searched. After records were screened, 19 full-text studies were assessed. Three
studies met the eligibility criteria. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the McMaster
tool. Data were synthesised qualitatively using narrative summaries. Limited evidence for
the effectiveness of training programmes in improving knowledge and skills of police
officers towards people with disabilities exists. This review highlights the need for
custom-designed training with a demonstrated evidence base. Further research should
be conducted to develop, implement and evaluate such programmes.
Keywords
Disability, law enforcement officers, police, training
Corresponding author:
Erna Viljoen, Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, University of Pretoria, Private Bag
X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa.
Email: erna.nel1@absamail.co.za
The Police Journal:
Theory, Practice and Principles
2017, Vol. 90(2) 143–159
ªThe Author(s) 2016
Reprints and permission:
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DOI: 10.1177/0032258X16674021
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Introduction
Globally, the prevalence of disability is estimated at about 15 per cent (Mitra and
Sambamoorthi, 2014; World Health Organization, 2011), which is larger than earlier
predictions (Murray and Lopez, 1997). While variations and limitations among methods
used to classify and measure disability can make accurate descriptions of global dis-
ability profiles difficult, as well as regional differences, it appears that issues with
mobility and participation restrictions, cognition, independent living, vision, communi-
cation and self-care are probably among the most common types (Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 2015). There is increasing emphasis on the inclusion of people
with disabilities into full and effective participation in society. Generally speaking, for
the one billion people worldwide with disabilities, positive health and social inclusion
outcomes can be optimised by improving community knowledge and attitudes toward
disability (Scior, 2011). There is evidence which suggests that education and training
programmes can successfully improve disability-related knowledge and attitudes
(Murray et al., 2012; Scior, 2011). It is therefore vital to improve communities’ under-
standing of disability and confro nt negative attitudes, beliefs a nd perceptions about
people with disabilities. Among other interventions such as legislation and creation of
services for people with disabilities, training programmes can play an important role in
fostering the acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities in the wider community
(World Health Organization, 2011).
People with disabilities are more likely to come into contact with the criminal justice
system (including contact with police officers) than members of the general population
(Hughes et al., 2011; Primor and Lerner, 2012). While the reasons for this are complex
and multifactorial, it appears that increased vulnerability arising from developmental and
communication difficulties, ignorance, stereotypes, stigma and negative beliefs are all
factors that can increase a person’s risk of becoming a victim of crime (Hughes et al.
2011; Jones et al. 2012; Modell and Mak, 2008; Primor and Lerner, 2012). In fact, it is
known that the prevalence and risk of crime and violence against both children and
adults with disabilities is substantially greater than those estimated for the general
population (Hughes et al., 2012; Jones et al., 2012). Difficulties associated with and
experienced by police officers when confronted by people with disabilities pose a sig-
nificant challenge for modern policing. Many negative attitudes, perceptions, beliefs and
stereotypes exist around disabilities, stemming from limited knowledge, information and
exposure to people with disabilities (Daruwalla and Darcy, 2005; Modell and Cropp,
2007). These barriers contribute to, for example, incomplete information-gathering from
people with disabilities who are victims of crime, and compromise the successful appre-
hension and prosecution of perpetrators (Hughes et al., 2011; Victorian Equal Opportu-
nity & Human Rights Commission, 2014). Irrespective of whether police officers have
contact with people with disabilities as victims, witnesses or perpetrators, they need to be
sensitised, educated and trained to understand and recognise the features of disability,
and be equipped with skills to handle any challenges that may arise (Daruwalla and
Darcy, 2005; Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, 2014). Results
from this review will be used to develop a disability sensitivity training programme
based on existing research evidence of best training content, pedagogy and principles
144 The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles 90(2)
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