Police Intervention Training for Individuals with IDD

By Haley LaRose

Being pulled over can be a scary experience for anyone. This experience is only amplified for those with IDD. Whether they are the ones driving or simply sitting in the backseat, being pulled over by the police is a change in routine that signals something is off. This can amplify anxiety, leading to panic attacks or other outbursts. Without training, police can see normal IDD behaviors as threats and escalate the situation. As such, it is critical that police are training on how to interact with those with IDD to avoid harmful interactions. Luckily, there are many wonderful organizations working to do just that.

CRIT Training

The most commonly implemented form of training for officers is CRIT, or Crisis Response and Intervention Training. Based on CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) Training, CRIT is a 40 hour training program for law enforcement to help improve their response to individuals experiencing mental health crises and individuals with IDD [1]. CRIT was a collaboration between many organizations, including the ARC, the University of Cincinnati, National Bureau of Justice, National Policing Institute, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and other advocates to add information about those with IDD to CIT training [2]. The CRIT philosophy is focused on officer and public safety and diversion from the criminal justice system whenever possible. They are aiming to expand knowledge, connect with survivors, enhance the awareness of services available, support officer safety, and emphasize de-escalization whenever possible [3].

CRIT is still a fairly new organization, with pilot testing beginning in Memphis, Tennessee in December 2022, although efforts for this training began almost a decade before in 2012 [4]. Pilot testing was then extended to four additional police departments: the Corvallis (OR) Police Department, the Rapid City (SD) Police Department, the Pittsburgh (PA) Bureau of Police, and the Shreveport (LA) Police Department [1]. In 2023, the International Association of Chiefs of Police received funding for a national rollout of the program [4]. There are 18 modules to CRIT, including “Perceptions & Attitudes on Behavioral Health & Disabilities,” “Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities,” and “Neurocognitive Disorders” [1]. The modules provide a wide range of information, from facts about IDD to family and peer perspectives [1]. Participants come out of the program with increased knowledge of available resources, de-escalation strategies, and legal rights of citizens.

CRIT training materials are available on the Bureau of Justice Assistance or International Association of Police Chiefs websites on demand. While the trainer materials include an instructor guide and training materials, it is recommended to bring in experts for certain modules [1]. Recommended experts may include individuals with IDD, disability attorneys, or law enforcement with experience in de-escalation [1]. There are also Train-the-Trainer events available for those who want to help increase program roll-out by hosting multiple CRIT trainings. These events are four days and hosted 2-3 times a year out of Salt Lake City, Utah [3]. Due to the many major organizations involved in CRIT and the accessibility of the program, this is the largest police intervention training program for individuals with IDD. However, there are many other organizations working to train police in the world of IDD.

Preston’s Pursuit

Preston’s Pursuit for Acceptance is a non-profit organization based out of Arizona working to better inform law enforcement about the Autism spectrum. The organization was created by Chris and Autumn Timmins. Chris worked in law enforcement for 25 years, in addition to having a son on the autism spectrum. He and his wife Autumn were inspired to start Preston’s Pursuit through their lived experience, after noticing many law enforcement professionals did not receive training on individuals with autism [5]. Since starting Preston’s Pursuit, they have trained over 3000 first responders [5]. 

Preston’s Pursuit’s training is certified both in the state of Arizona and nationwide. It is available and encouraged for any first responder or community safety focused careers, including police, firefighters, paramedics, security, and even teachers [5]. They have two paid training programs: an 8 hour full day program with scenario-based practice and a 4 hour flexible option. Agencies are also able to become certified through Preston’s Pursuit. All training instructors are first responders and parents of autistic individuals [5]. Trainings are available upon request on the Preston’s Pursuit website. Preston’s Pursuit also provides free downloadable resources for anyone interested in learning more about how autistic individuals may act when in distress.

ALEC

Autism Law Enforcement Coalition (ALEC) Training was created in 2003 by Lifeworks Autism Support Center and former Norfolk County District Attorney William R. Keating. The program is based in Massachusetts, however is funded through both state and federal grants and is available upon request in many areas [6]. ALEC offers training for firefighters, police, ER staff, nurses, and parents. ALEC also states that if one feels their organization would benefit from ALEC training, they are open to adapting the curriculum and working to schedule a training [6]. The program was created due to the rising rates of ASD and increased likelihood of interaction with law enforcement individuals with IDD face.

ALEC trainers are first responders with a family member with ASD, allowing participants to hear from presenters with both law enforcement and IDD knowledge. Trainings focus on different styles of communication, rescue techniques, traits of ASD and other IDD, and even how to best prepare a family member with IDD for emergencies [6]. Profession specific videos and lessons are also included in the trainings. Basic and intermediate EMTs and paramedics earn 3 OEMS hours for competing ALEC training. To schedule an ALEC training, individuals can reach out using the contact information on the Lifeworks website.

Better Encounters

The National Center for Policing Innovation (NCPI) offers an online training program called Better Encounters: Police and People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The program is a 3 hour self-paced course and is tuition free developed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It aims to teach law enforcement to identify and effectively communicate with individuals with IDD when completing traffic stops or interacting with the community [7]. Similarly to ALEC training, Better Encounters was also inspired by the rising prevalence of IDD. While the course focuses on traffic safety, it also covers other likely interactions for law enforcement and individuals with IDD [7].

The course begins by identifying critical vocabulary and facts about IDD, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ASD, IDD, and community policing. It then goes on to cover relevant legal clauses in the ADA, possible traits of individuals with IDD, and various strategies for how to ensure a stress-free encounter for the individual [7]. For law enforcement who may not have access to in-person training such as CRIT, Preston’s Pursuit, or ALEC, Better Encounters is a great way to start growing their knowledge of individuals with IDD. Interested individuals can enroll in the course on NCPI website.

DRTC

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) and IDD Safe collaborated to create a program that approaches police intervention training from a different perspective. Their Safety and Police Encounters course is geared towards individuals with IDD, helping give them agency in interactions with law enforcement. The course is available online and can be completed either as through a self-guided plan, weekly live lessons with law enforcement instructors, or partnership with an organization [8]. This system allows learners to complete the course in a way that works best for them. Designed with the history of the disability community in mind, the program aims to help everyone feel safe and prepared for encounters with law enforcement [8].

There are five sections to the Safety and Police Encounters course: You and the Police, Being Safe with Police, Proper Identification, Your Rights, and Police Encounters [8]. Participants will learn strategies to stay calm in a police encounter, the importance of safety disclosure cards, Miranda rights, and possible police encounters [8]. At the end of the program, participants will earn a certificate in Safety and Police Encounters. Enrollment is available on the DRTC website for all available learning options.

Conclusion

Interactions with law enforcement can often be intimidating, especially for individuals with IDD. By providing training on the history and traits of various IDD and strategies, law enforcement agencies can help make these interactions at the very least a bit less stressful. First responders and law enforcement are often the first faces people see not just in an emergency, but in many everyday situations. By providing resources to both individuals with IDD and law enforcement, these interactions can become more productive and safe for all involved.

Sources Used

[1] “Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT). (n.d.). Bureau of Justice Assistance. https://bja.ojp.gov/events/crisis-response-and-intervention-training-crit

[2] Emhof, L. (2025). IACP@Work: The Crisis Response and Intervention Training Initiative [Review of IACP@Work: The Crisis Response and Intervention Training Initiative]. Policechiefmagazine.Org. https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/iacpwork-the-crisis-response-and-intervention-training-initiative/

[3] Crisis Response Programs and Training - CRIT for Law Enforcement. (2025). Crptinc.Org. https://www.crptinc.org/CRIT

[4] Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) Curriculum and Trainers” Toolkit. (2022). International Association of Chiefs of Police. https://www.theiacp.org/resources/training-in-person-delivery/crisis-response-and-intervention-training-crit-curriculum-and

[5] Home - Preston’s Pursuit for Acceptance. (2023, October 25). Preston’s Pursuit for Acceptance. https://prestonspursuit.org/

[6] Autism Law Enforcement Coalition (ALEC) - Lifeworks. (2025a, June 4). Lifeworks. https://lifeworksarc.org/autism-law-enforcement-coalition-alec/

[7] Better Encounters: Police and People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities - NCPI. (2024, October 10). NCPI. https://ncpi.us/training/catalog/better-encounters-police-and-people-with-intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities/

[8] Safety and Police Encounters - DRTC. (2024b, November 5). DRTC. https://www.drtc.org/safety-and-police-encounters/