Enhancing Police Training for Dealing with Persons with Dementia: A Necessity

The importance of proper training in law enforcement is paramount, especially when it comes to interacting with individuals who suffer from dementia. Despite advancements in understanding and treatment, the unique challenges posed by this condition often meet oversights and misunderstandings in the field. Here, we explore the necessity of more comprehensive training for police officers in handling such cases, drawing from personal experiences and expert opinions.

Current State of Training: A Glimpse into the Past

When I entered the academy in 1994, we were provided with intensive training on this topic. This training was detailed and memorable, even to this day. It included scenarios such as encountering individuals suffering from diabetic episodes, which can be mistaken for alcohol intoxication. While the training provided a foundation, there is a clear need for continuous improvement.

Low-budget agencies should find ways to include this crucial education in their curricula, recognizing that additional training is always beneficial. The aim is to ensure that officers are well-equipped to handle situations involving people with mental conditions that affect communication.

Understanding the Challenges: Miscommunication and Force

Dealing with individuals suffering from dementia can be particularly challenging. For instance, a common police request like "put down the knife" might not be comprehensible to someone with dementia. Such individuals might not recognize the item or understand the instruction, leading to potential misunderstandings and unnecessary force.

Think of the scenario where a person with dementia, such as one suffering from Alzheimer's, is looking at you with a blank stare and not engaging in meaningful conversation. A command like "put your arms behind your back" will not be of much help, as they likely have no idea what you are saying. In such situations, force may be inadvertently used to control the situation, often due to the person's inability to explain or communicate effectively.

Strategies for Improvement: Early Identification and Support

The recognition of dementia as a unique condition is essential. However, isolating the diagnosis of Alzheimer's can be challenging. As a caregiver to someone with dementia, it took a considerable amount of time to realize the problem. Unless the police officer is familiar with the individual, they might mistake the behavior for intoxication or inebriation. Therefore, the presence of a medical ID or identification device that indicates the person's condition can be invaluable.

Another effective strategy is to have a companion present at all times. However, this is not always possible, especially when the individual is out alone or driving. In such cases, it becomes critical for the person to have medical documentation in their possession to aid law enforcement in understanding the situation.

Conclusion: A Call for Continuous Training

The similarities between a person with dementia and someone who is drunk are often striking to an outside observer. Both exhibit slurred speech and unsteady walking, leading to misinterpretation. For police officers, these situations require a high degree of sensitivity and understanding.

In conclusion, there is a clear need for more comprehensive training within the law enforcement community. By emphasizing better understanding, early recognition, and appropriate communication strategies, we can enhance the safety and well-being of all those involved. Continuous education is key, and low-budget agencies should make a concerted effort to incorporate these lessons into their curricula.