For law enforcement, engaging with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism, is part of their responsibilities. However, the lack of adequate training often leads to the use of excessive force, which can have fatal consequences for these vulnerable populations. After losing her son to a tragic incident involving police, Maria Thompson is determined to advocate for change.
In January 2013, Maria’s 26-year-old son, Jacob, attended a screening of Zero Dark Thirty at a Maryland mall. This was a venue he frequented often. After the film ended, Jacob expressed his desire to stay and watch it again rather than leave with his caregiver, Sarah Collins. Sarah opted to give him a moment alone and went outside to retrieve the car.
When Sarah returned, she found that Jacob had re-entered the theater without a second ticket. She informed the theater manager of Jacob’s condition, stressing the need for a compassionate approach. However, the manager instead called security. Three off-duty deputies approached Jacob, who was quietly seated in his original spot, and instructed him to either exit the theater or purchase another ticket, warning him of arrest if he did not comply.
Maria firmly believes that Jacob was unable to understand their demands and, as a result, was unable to comply. “He didn’t know what was going on,” Maria told a reporter. “He just wanted to stay.” Despite the deputies being informed of Jacob’s condition, they attempted to forcibly remove him from the theater. Witnesses reported hearing Jacob scream for his mother and plead in pain as he was handcuffed.
Tragically, while restrained on the floor, Jacob suffered a fractured larynx, leading to asphyxiation. After realizing the severity of his condition, the deputies attempted to call for medical assistance, but it was too late; Jacob had already passed away.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, Maria has channeled her grief into activism, advocating for better training for law enforcement personnel in handling individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective regarding noncompliance. It is crucial for officers to recognize that sometimes, a lack of response does not signify defiance but rather an inability to comprehend the situation.
Sadly, many law enforcement agencies do not have mandatory training in mental health or developmental disabilities. This gap often results in unnecessary force being used, leading to tragic outcomes. As Elizabeth Ramirez, a specialist in autism and developmental disorders, notes, “Some officers receive minimal training, leaving them ill-equipped to manage these situations effectively.”
In response to this pressing issue, Maryland established the Jacob Thompson Alliance in 2015, integrating individuals with disabilities into police training. This initiative aims to equip officers with the necessary skills to interact compassionately with those who have diverse needs. The training program, developed by educators at a local university, allows officers to engage in role-playing exercises that simulate high-stress scenarios involving individuals with disabilities.
Maria hopes that by sharing her son’s story and advocating for reform, she can help law enforcement develop more effective techniques for de-escalating situations. “If only they had approached Jacob differently,” she reflects. “A simple offer like, ‘Let’s go grab a snack while we wait for your mom,’ could have changed everything.”
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In summary, Maria Thompson’s fight for reform stems from a tragic loss. Her advocacy is aimed at ensuring that law enforcement receives proper training to effectively engage with individuals who have special needs, potentially preventing further tragedies in the future.
Keyphrase: police reform for individuals with disabilities
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