The Need for Better Police Training in Handling Autistic Individuals

In Idaho, a tragic incident occurred involving a 17-year-old autistic teen named Victor Perez. He was shot multiple times by police during a mental health crisis. This event raises serious questions about how law enforcement handles individuals with disabilities. Perez was nonverbal and had cerebral palsy. He was on the other side of a fence when officers arrived. They repeatedly told him to drop a knife he was holding. His family did not see him as a threat. Unfortunately, Perez died a few days later. This is not an isolated incident. There have been several similar cases in recent years. Advocates point out that police often lack understanding of autism and other disabilities. This can lead to misinterpretations of behavior and tragic outcomes. People with autism and other developmental disabilities are more likely to interact with police. Some behaviors, like involuntary movements or not responding to commands, can be misunderstood. This highlights the need for better training for law enforcement. In the United States, at least 12 states require police training on autism spectrum disorder. However, it is unclear if all officers receive this training. The Pocatello Police Department's policy manual does not specifically address autism, but it does mention crisis intervention and de-escalation tactics. The video footage from the officers' body cameras shows that Perez was separated from them by a fence. One officer shouted "drop the knife" multiple times before firing. The entire incident lasted about 16 seconds from the moment police arrived until shots were fired. Advocates argue that there are better ways to handle such situations. They push for law enforcement to have specially trained crisis or mental health experts respond to 911 calls about people in mental distress. In other parts of the country, police departments are already implementing training programs. For example, in Los Angeles, a two-hour autism training includes lectures, hands-on exercises, and meetings with autistic individuals. In Texas, the Missouri City Police Department focuses on communication strategies and de-escalation techniques. Experts suggest that if the situation is safe, officers should take more time to assess the situation. They should also allow physical space between themselves and the autistic person. Using diverse or alternative communication methods and being patient for a response can also help. However, some argue that more comprehensive federal training is needed. Currently, training often goes beyond basic disability awareness. The incident involving Perez is still under investigation, and the officers involved are on administrative leave.