Avoid the trigger: Team effort to prevent shootings of kids with disabilities

BOSTON — Nearly half of all people killed by police in the United States are disabled according to a recent study by a Massachusetts non-profit. Parents in one local community are teaming up with police to develop a better way to handle these confrontations

A parent's worst nightmare

Carolyn Wilkinson of Methuen tells Boston 25 News, her heart breaks every time she hears about police violence involving someone with a disability.  Her 13-year-old son has autism.

“It's your worst nightmare - it really is. As the parent, you try and do every single thing you possibly can but you can't anticipate everything,” said Wilkinson.

Lauren Miller’s son also has autism.  She says he reacts differently than someone without a disability and his actions could be misunderstood.

“He gets very nervous. He'll probably self-talk. I noticed last night- he was doing almost a manic laugh- so that laugh that we almost can't control sometimes. And again,- you get unfortunately, you get the wrong person and they think he's being a wise guy and it's a scary situation,” said Miller.

Teaming up for change

That fear is the reality for thousands of families in Massachusetts and across the U.S.  According to the Census Bureau, approximately 1 in 5 Americans have a disability.

Wilkinson and Miller head Methuen's "Special Education Parent Advisory Council", or SEPAC. Together with the Methuen Police Department, they've created a disabilities training program.

“This is going to save lives and God forbid we shoot someone- legitimately, who we didn't need to shoot or use some type of deadly force,” said Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon.

Changing tactics

Chief Solomon told Boston 25 News that in his experience, background information on the subject is key. Methuen's program, and others like it in the state, are now teaching officers how to handle these subjects using different tactics.

“You put yourself in that place and say 'that could be my kid,'” said Solomon.

The database they're building has specific details about how each individual communicates, what calms them down, and what agitates them.

Chief Solomon said tactics could include something as simple as dropping a coloring book and crayons to give a subject a new focus, or kneeling down next to the person. Officers also have cue cards to help with someone who is non-verbal.

Miller hopes the program will make a difference, and potentially save lives.  A regional database is now in the works.

Cox Media Group