Disability Rights Advocate: Thank You, Minneapolis Police

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A disability rights advocate has written a letter commending Minneapolis police for their professionalism and proficiency in handingly a 911 call involving a man with autism.

The author wrote that the dispatcher, police officers, and the Emergency Medical Services staff "did an outstanding job of working with us to get him medical attention and to HCMC."

"It was clear to me that they understood what autism was, they understood our role as primary caregivers and they understood what to do to avoid escalating the situation."

"As a disability rights advocate and researcher, I know this is not the experience of the overwhelming majority of families in the U.S. who have children/adults with autism and come into contact for various reasons with police officers."

The author addressed the letter to Minneapolis City Council Member Jacob Frey, and wanted him to "know how much we appreciate the leadership Minneapolis is taking to better train its public officers."

Read the full letter, as released by the Minneapolis police, below:

I am writing to commend the police officers and emergency medical staff who attended to a 911 call we made Monday... My brother-in-law has autism.

The dispatcher, many police officers (including one park officer vehicle) and the EMS staff did an outstanding job of working with us... to get him medical attention and to HCMC.

It was clear to me that they understood what autism was, they understood our role as primary caregivers and they understood what to do to avoid escalating the situation. They carefully listened to us, they assessed and modified the environment (one officer looking around and moving objects that could be turned into weapons - such as our marshmallow roasting sticks- they listened to us and asked us for advice on how to approach and interact with [him] - they were non confrontational with him - and they did not touch him). The entire crew was excellent.

As a disability rights advocate and researcher, I know this is not the experience of the overwhelming majority of families in the U.S. who have children/adults with autism and come into contact for various reasons with police officers.

I have had very good experiences with the Minneapolis Police Department when we have needed them. Clearly these officers are getting training on de-escalation techniques, non-confrontational interactions with people with various disabilities and mental health conditions and the importance and value of listening to people who know them best.

I want you to know how important this is and how much we appreciate the leadership Minneapolis is taking to better train its public officers. Thank you!

I am hopeful that you will take the time to look up who these officers and EMS were who responded to our call and give them some positive affirmation regarding the skills they used and demonstrated with our family.

I did not write down their names but am hopeful that you are able to find out who they were and pass along our gratitude as well.

Image: Tony Webster via Flickr /Creative Commons