Police officers will come across justice-involved individuals with FASD. Therefore, it is important that they have a grounded understanding of how FASD impacts a person’s involvement with the justice system.
For a police officer to fulfill their duty to uphold the law, maintain public safety, and protect the community, it is essential that they are FASD informed. An effective way for police officers to do this is through taking our FASD for Solicitor General Professionals Level II online course.
Youth FASD Justice Program Officer from Lethbridge Police Service, Constable Chris Andrade, shares his experience of taking the course: “In January 2022 I was assigned to the FASD Justice Program with the Lethbridge Police Service and completed several CanFASD online courses including FASD for Solicitor General Professionals Level ll.
“Given the over-representation of individuals with FASD in the Justice System as victims, witnesses and subjects, I believe it is critical for all police officers to receive relevant training on FASD such as this course. Personally, I found the course was very well put together and full of knowledge applicable to law enforcement.”
Read on to find a preview of some of the helpful strategies and suggestions for working with justice-involved individuals with FASD. We encourage you to take the full course to learn more.
Address physical health and basic needs
- Consider whether the individual’s physical needs are met (e.g., have they eaten today?)
- Know that sleep issues are common for people with FASD
- Determine whether the individual has safe and stable housing, and know that they may struggle to maintain it
- Consider the impact that poverty might have on an individual’s behaviours
- Be aware of health problems common in FASD (e.g., weak immune systems, ear infections, dental problems)
Adjust language and communication
- Use a calm voice whenever possible
- Use clear, concrete, and simple language
- Be specific and give examples
- Keep instructions brief, and give one step at a time
- Allow the individual to draw or write down what they want to say
- Slow down your pace, and allow extra time for the individual to respond
- Use clear facial expressions and body language
Account for other cognitive difficulties
- Give frequent breaks, especially in demanding or stressful situations
- Repeat important information and review frequently
- Rely on pictures, calendars, timers, apps, lists, and reminders to help them remember important information or appointments
- When filling out paperwork, work with the individual and do one page at a time
- Break up complex information into smaller chunks
Consider the physical environment
- Be aware of sensory issues (either hyper- or hypo-sensitivities)
- Consider that certain clothing may aggravate sensitivities (e.g., wearing a suit and tie to court)
- Provide a calm, quiet, non-confining space for interviews and meetings
- Provide comfortable seating – chairs with arms may help delineate personal space
- Avoid fluorescent lighting and bright colors – use natural, dim light or lamps instead
- Reduce noise/auditory stimulation, and allow headphones in environments where noise is unavoidable
- Declutter visual stimulation
- Limit the number of people in the room, where possible
Support social and emotional functioning
- Avoid physical contact, or ask before making contact
- Allow for a support person to attend important meetings and events
- Involve family and support systems in case planning where appropriate
- Identify a “signal” that the person can give when they’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated
- Try to learn about the individual’s “triggers” and be proactive in recognizing signs of escalation
- Allow opportunities for “down time”
- Provide healthy outlets for expression (e.g., writing, art, listening to music, physical activity)
By following these tips, police officers can better support individuals with FASD and ensure positive and respectful interactions. Education, communication, sensory considerations, flexibility, patience, and empathy are key components in effectively supporting individuals with FASD in law enforcement settings.
The strategies above are presented as broad suggestions, to learn more about how to be an FASD-informed police officer, we encourage you to take our FASD for Solicitor General Professionals Level II online course.