Kirk's Masters Thesis Chapter 4: Step By Step Instructions of How to Effectively Interact with people with disabilities
I have worked at the Center for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement as a role-player since 2000. The instructors and students continue to tell me that I am the only training that they received regarding people who have disabilities. Also one of my students wrote to me after he became a police officer to tell me that the training that I gave him really helped him to effectively handle a situation involving a person with a disability. Furthermore, I continue to get proof that criminal justice professionals need to receive detailed training regarding people who have disabilities. For example, recently I talked to a wheelchair technician about my capstone and he shared an interesting story. This summer he observed a woman in an electric wheelchair trying to cross a busy street. She used a head control to operate her wheelchair like I do. She had slid down in her wheelchair preventing her from reaching the head control very well so she got stuck. A police officer soon came and tried to help. However, most electric wheelchairs weigh approximately 350 pounds, so he didn’t know what to do because he couldn’t lift it. Luckily the wheelchair technician came over and showed the police officer how to disengage her wheelchair, so he could manually push it. I believe that the wheelchair technician’s story, my work experience, and my survey results prove that criminal justice professionals need and want detailed training for effectively and appropriately interacting with people who have disabilities. Therefore, based on my life experience, my Concordia class work, and my literary research for this project, the remainder of this chapter will be the main purpose of this capstone, which is to give criminal justice professionals step by step instructions on how to effectively and appropriately interact with people who have disabilities.
How to treat people who have disabilities:
In theory, knowing how to treat people with disabilities should be simple, if you know what the golden rule is, treat others as you want to be treated! However, in reality, it’s not that simple! Who is really alike? No one! Thus, how do you really know how others want to be treated other than most likely with respect and kindness? You really don’t in all essence! Most people tend to quickly say “treat disabled people like anyone else”. It is indeed correct to treat all people equally as best as possible! However, everyone on earth has different qualities and challenges! Therefore, as criminal justice professionals or just as society members, you need to recognize and appreciate the unique qualities and challenges that individuals have, and be willing to try to accommodate for their desires and challenges! It is understandable why it can often be uncomfortable to be around persons with disabilities, because they don't fit the typical person that is known and accepted automatically by society. However, it is sad because even though persons with disabilities are especially different, essentially everyone has the same needs, desires, and basic functions! Even though it is bad to assume anything in criminal justice / law enforcement due to possible negative or even fatal effects it can have on you; please assume that persons with disabilities have average functions of their five senses, and that their thinking process is average unless you find out different. Don’t assume that standard or common accommodations will work for people who have similar disabilities, and don’t assume that every individual with a disability needs or wants accommodations. Try to let the individuals tell you what they desire and need! Also, try to make individuals feel comfortable talking to you! For example, if the individual is in a wheelchair, kneel down to talk to them, so you don’t intimidate them. If you are a police officer, remember that perceived victims could really be the suspects. Therefore, you want to always be cautious about kneeling down, because individuals could ram you easily by an electric wheelchair. Another way to make an individual feel comfortable talking to you, if they use an alternative communication style is to say that you have lots of time to talk so they don’t need to rush. However, be aware that some individuals may get mad at you for saying that, because they might feel that you’re belittling them. Also always look at them even if they are using an interpreter, because they’re still the ones who are talking to you. Furthermore, people with disabilities often get treated as children, because some people just assume if one part of an individual is affected by a disability, then all of their five senses and their intelligence must be affected. Therefore, don’t talk to people with disabilities as children if they are adults with average intellect! In short; try to talk to people with disabilities as how you would others.
Good and bad terms.
Some bad terms to use for persons with disabilities are the following. Avoid using the word “handicapped”, because it really means crippled. Don’t call a disability a condition, because it usually means “good or bad” like the weather forecast. Additionally, don’t call a disability a disease. While a few disabilities could be classified as being “diseases: such as Muscular Dystrophy and Multiple sclerosis (NINDS, 2006) because they attack the body, people often characterize diseases as being contagious or being bad. Furthermore, try not to say, “that person is disabled”; rather say, “that person has a disability”. Some of the current “in terms” referring to someone with a disability are physically or mentally impaired or impairments. However, some people with disabilities don’t like those terms! They may prefer to be referred to as having physical challenges or being physically challenged with having their specific type of disability such as cerebral palsy. It is also acceptable to refer to someone who has a mental disability as being mentally challenged. Nevertheless, the terms, physically disabled or mentally disabled are essentially acceptable.
How to interview someone with a disability:
As criminal justice professionals / police officers, it is important to remember some extra items when interviewing or arresting someone who has a disability. When interviewing someone with a disability if they are either a witness or a victim of a crime, you need to be more patient than average to effectively obtain information from them. For example, if you discover that they have a communication challenge, you may need to forego using open-ended questions even though you always want to avoid leading them. Nevertheless, always believe that they are capable of answering open-ended questions unless you discover different. If the person who you interview uses an alternative form of communication such as a voice computer or interpreter, you need to document that fact in your report. You also need to document in your report as to what specific disability they have, and if they use any prescribed medication for their disability. Further yet, you need to clarify as to how the person can be contacted by phone in the future for follow up, because every situation is different. All of these items are very important to have in your report because detectives and the prosecutor will want to know how to assist the individuals and how to prepare the jury by enabling the prosecutor to investigate how the specific disability exactly affects the particular individual. Furthermore, when you are interviewing a crime victim or witness who has a disability and if you feel reasonably safe in your current surroundings, you should try to kneel down to be less intimidating. However, you need to always remember officer safety, because they easily could be a suspect and quickly ram in to you or kill you with a hidden weapon!
How to conduct an investigative detention and/or a legal arrest of someone with a disability:
When you conduct an investigative detention or a legal arrest of a person who has a disability, you need to be aware of some extra legal and safety issues. For example, when talking to someone who is in a wheelchair, you need to have proper justification to immobilize their wheelchair. You would have proper justification to immobilize their wheelchair if they start to leave and won’t stop post to giving a strong verbal command! You would also be justified to immobilize their wheelchair post to executing a legal arrest. However, if you decide to immobilize their wheelchair, you need to have the mind-set that you have essentially removed their legs, so they can not move now without your assistance even in an emergency situation such as a vehicle quickly coming on the scene or another suspect starts firing a weapon! When you conduct a legal Terry Search / weapons search on a person in a wheelchair, you are justified to search them anywhere on their person or anywhere on their wheelchair, because you do not know where they can reach. When you need to take physical control of a person with a disability, obviously you need to show respect to them as you would to others by using the "ask tell make philosophy / method." Even though some disabilities can cause people to have excessive physical or mental fragility, do not be afraid to use any type of pain compliance technique on them, because your safety is the most important especially if they are starting to give you justification to begin to climb the use of force continuum. Also feel free to hand-cuff people in wheelchairs in the front when you believe that you have “the right to.”
When you conduct a legal arrest of someone who uses a wheelchair, make an effort to transport them in an accessible vehicle that allows them to remain in their wheelchair in effort to ensure their safety. Chapter five will list the contact information of available wheelchair accessible transportation services. However, if you absolutely need to take the person out of their wheelchair to transport them, you need to secure their wheelchair in a safe place, because some wheelchairs and accessory medical equipment can cost over 30 thousand dollars. Also you need to check if they can still communicate and breathe if they are out of their wheelchair, because some people use communicating and breathing equipment that attach and only function on their wheelchair. Furthermore, when you need to disengage an electric wheelchair so it is electrically not operational and you can manually push it you should look for levers on either the back of the wheelchair or on both lower sides of the wheelchair. According to a local medical supply company, Metro Medical, the current majority of electric wheelchairs have their disengage levers on both sides or on the back but a few have a single lever under the seat. Also according to Metro Medical, most electric wheelchairs can not be manually pushed even when the wheelchair is still electrically turned on even if you use the disengage levers first, but a few wheelchairs can be manually pushed if they are still electrically turned on. Chapter five will list a resource to find out more information about wheelchairs. However, if you can’t find or reach the disengage levers when chasing someone using an electric wheelchair; most criminal justice professionals believe that you would have a right to tip over the wheelchair when the person just shot someone or if you believe the person is likely to commit a crime with a weapon. Nevertheless, you should always have the totality of the circumstances in mind, because if you tip over a wheelchair, you will probably be on the news. However, the personal safety of you and other law-abiding citizens should be always your top priority as a criminal justice professional!
Below will be many fictional scenarios that I have designed and/or used to train criminal justice professionals to effectively interact with people who have disabilities. Even though all of the scenarios are fictional, any criminal justice professional could be easily faced with similar situations in real life tomorrow!
In the following scenario that, Bill Hollock, and, I, Kirk Wetzlich, designed for Report Writing classes in 2001 at the Center for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement (CCJLE), the witness refers to a person with a disability (Kirk). Mr. Hollock has since retired, but the scenarios continue to be used by I, Kirk Wetzlich, at the center with various instructors such as Jerry Hutcheson and Mike Peterson.
The Scenario:
In this scenario, dispatch informs the officers to respond to an assault at the Blue bar in the parking lot. When the students begin to interview you, the victim, can encourage them to sit down. When the students ask you, the victim, to tell them what happened, you can begin by saying that you were going to the Blue Bar on 1380 Energy Lane, St. Paul, Minnesota. You parked your vehicle in the parking lot, and you walked towards the front of the bar. If the students ask, you can describe your vehicle as being a red four door 1986 Mercury station wagon with Minnesota plates of, GRL 6969. You state that you were upset about a fight you had with your boyfriend earlier, because he has been cheating on you and you just found out. While you were walking in the parking lot you are approached by a male, who you have never seen before. If the students ask, you can say that you go to this bar about once a week. Also if the students ask, you can describe the male as being a Caucasian male about five foot nine with black short hair and wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans. The male asked you if you wanted to have a good time. You talk back and forth and he pulls out a small baggie of white powder from his pants pocket, but you don't recall which pocket, because you are very upset and you realize it is drugs. You tell the male, that it has been a bad day and you are "ready to party." You then went in your vehicle on the passenger side and on the front seat. The students should ask you what seat you got into. The male went into your car behind the steering wheel. The students should clarify where he got into the vehicle. In the car you make small talk for several minutes, and then the conversation turned to sex. The male then unzipped his pants and said "give me a blow job, if you want any of the drugs." The students should clarify by what exactly you mean by a blow job.
You started yelling and started to get out of the car. The male then grabbed your left breast and tried to hold onto you. Try to give the student a mental picture of exactly how it occurred and that you were scared to death! The male had a knife in his other hand and said that you better do what he told you to do. You started crying and managed to exit your vehicle. You ran to a nearby phone booth and called 911. You mention that you saw a male in a wheelchair at the bus stop nearby. You state that you think that the male in the wheelchair may have witnessed part of the incident. You think that the male left your car, but you have no idea where he went. You want to press charges and you know you can identify the male if you saw him again. The students should tell you to wait or have another officer wait with you, etc. You refuse medical attention if asked. The students should leave you with a business card, a card with the case number on it, and victim/witness rights card. The students need to show compassion, introduce themselves to you, and sit down and make good eye contact with you. You are an upset victim.
When the students begin to interview you, the witness, encourage them to sit down. You have been sitting at the bus stop by the Blue Bar for about 20 minutes. Being that you have probably seen many people by the bar in the 20 minute time frame, try to get the students to tell you what the vehicle looked like, so you know who they are talking about without giving you too much information about the incident. You can then begin by saying that you saw a female and a male talking for about five minutes kind of near the red station wagon and then they both got in that vehicle. Try to get the students to ask you if you saw the drugs while the people were talking before they entered the vehicle. Teach them not to lead you if they ask you questions such as did the male have anything in his hands, did the male show anything to the female etc. You should suggest that a better question would be what all did you see when the people were talking before they entered the vehicle. Once the students have asked you a non-leading question, you can say that you did see something. But you don't know if it was drugs or not; you have never touched the shit; because you wanted to be a cop but they denied you do to your stupid disability! But you do watch cops a lot on TV, so you think the white powder was real drugs. And then say, "but officers, I'm just a clerk at Target so it very well could have been just sugar!"
Now, in effort to make the students think about establishing more possible reasonable suspicion and corroboration; try to get the students to verify with you as to who had the drugs, if an exchange occurred, and where the drugs went. Once the students have asked you some appropriate questions, you can say that you saw the male flashed the shit to the female in a baggy, and he put the baggy back in his left front pocket. Next say that they both went in the vehicle. Again, to make the students think about establishing more corroboration; get the students to ask you where the people specifically entered and sat in the vehicle and how long they stayed in the vehicle. Once the students have asked the specific questions; say that the male went in on the driver's side and the female got in on the passenger side, and you can say that you think the male and the female were talking inside the vehicle for about five minutes. If the students ask if you saw anything happen inside of the vehicle, say that you saw just bodies moving around somewhat. Try to get the students to ask you to describe the body movement. If the students ask, you can say that it looked like they were just talking. Then say that a good follow up question would be that did you see a struggle take place inside the vehicle. You can say that you never saw a struggle inside the vehicle. Also you can say that asking about a struggle at this point really isn’t leading, because you already have said that you saw body movement. Next say that the chick got out of the car and kind of quickly ran out of sight. Then about two minutes later, the dude got out of the car and shut a knife and then he went away. Make sure that the students know that it was a critical fact that you actually saw the male shut the knife, because it established very probable corroboration that the knife was out and open while they were inside the vehicle. If you’re asked, say that you believe that the knife was about six inches long with a silver blade, and you believe that he put the knife in his back right pocket. If asked, say that the male went in the bar. Try to get the students to ask some follow up questions about the male such as verify what bar, how long ago did he enter the bar, has he come out, and have you left the area at any time since he entered the bar. Once you are asked, say that the male went in the Blue Bar about five minutes ago, and you haven’t left the area at any time since he entered the bar. It is important for the students to now ask you for a description of the male and the female. Once you are asked, you can describe the male as being a Caucasian male about five foot nine with black short hair and wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans. Also you should just point out the female since she should be in close proximity to you. Now, to make the students think to check for witness credibility; you should suggest to the students that a good follow up question would be to ask if you have seen either the female or the male before, in effort to check if you may have any biases towards either one of them or if you may be lying for one of them. Once you are asked, say that you have never seen the male or the female before. You can mention that police officers tend to think that this type of a witness as being credible and/or independent. Now, try to get the students to ask some questions about the female such as where she went after leaving the vehicle and her physical appearance. Once you are asked, you can say that she went to the pay phone across the street, and she had tears running down on her face, but her clothing appeared to be normal and nothing looked out of place. Now, try to leave, so the students will need to ask you to stay to positively identify the male suspect. Ask to leave now, because the last wheelchair accessible MTC bus of the day is coming in three minutes. If the students feel that you can leave at this point, tell them to pretend that you are going to Australia later today for a month. Hopefully the students will then recognize the importance of trying to get you to stay on the scene to positively identify the male enabling them to do a show up versus a line up positive identification. When the students ask you to stay, ask how they would transport you and your electric wheelchair home. Most students won’t know any transportation options. Thus you should automatically mention that even though some people with disabilities don’t like Metro Mobility, they should mention Metro as being one option, so you can be assured that they will find you safe and accessible transportation home. If the students don’t show much effort in trying to convince you that they will indeed find you safe and accessible transportation home, you can say that pigs couldn't find the SOB who shot your brother, so why should I trust you! The statement will hopefully show the students that witnesses don’t always trust the police, thus they need to spend a little time to show true compassion for your extra needs as a witness with a disability. Next be sure that the students know that it is very important to document in their report what disability you have which is cerebral palsy and that you use a voice computer to communicate. Tell the students that those two items are very critical to put in their report, because detectives and the prosecutor will want to know how to assist you and how to prepare the jury. Also say that the documentation of your disability will enable the prosecutor to investigate how the disability affects you personally, because cerebral palsy can affect people in many different ways. When the students ask for your contact information, tell them that it is important to verify how you can be contacted by phone later for follow up being that you use a voice computer to communicate. When you are asked, say to just leave a message, and you will call them back. Also mention that personally you may decide to wait to call back until you have a care attendant around to help you to communicate quicker but every situation is obviously different hence that is why they need to ask how you can be contacted by phone. Furthermore, be sure that the students give you a victim/witness rights card to ensure that they understand that witnesses have rights similar to victims. Also be sure that the students know to put in their report that you agreed to stay to positively identify the male and that you were given a victim/witness rights card.
When the students begin to interview you, the suspect, encourage them to sit down. If the students establish some rapport, you, the suspect, can admit after awhile that you did meet a woman in the parking lot of the bar. You can say that she offered you drugs and asked you to party with her. She had drugs and told you to get into her car which was a red station wagon. You went in to the vehicle on the front driver's seat. You can say that the woman was coming on to you, and then she got upset when you told her that you would not have sex with her, because you have higher standards, and she started hitting you because of that comment. You can mention that the woman must be a crazy. Deny any wrong doing and blame the woman for starting the incident. If the students ask about a knife, say you have an old one that you use to cut boxes at work. You can say that someone gave it to you years ago. Have the knife in your pocket. If they ask to see it, take it out quickly and put it on the table in front of you. Try to make the students think about officer safety. If the students ask you about having the knife out, say that you never did. If they keep asking, say that it may have fallen out of your pocket as you were getting out of the car trying to get away from the crazy lady! If the students ask, tell them that you do not do drugs. If they ask if you have some on your person, tell them you have no drugs on you. If they ask to do a consent search, say no and make up a reason why. You can be willing to talk with them, and ask them several times about why they are asking you questions, and not others in the bar. You can be more vocal if they do not communicate in the proper manner. The students need to develop more probable cause before they arrest you, and they need to practice good interview skills. Depending on their control, you can resist slightly or not if they have good control.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedFinding out how this call could become life threatening in secondsFinding out how to transport a person who uses an electric wheelchairIn the 5 following scenarios that, Ward Mehlan, designed for crimes in progress classes in 2001 at the Center for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement (CCJLE), “you” or “your” always refers to a person with a disability (Kirk). Mr. Mehlan has retired, but the scenarios continue to be used by I, Kirk Wetzlich, at the center with various instructors.
Scenario #1:
In this scenario, you call the police because of a disturbance in a parking lot. Here’s what happened: a man pulled his car into a handicapped parking spot. He did not have a handicapped parking permit on his vehicle.
Your story is this: you tell the police that you were waiting for our ride to arrive while you were positioned near the handicapped parking space. The vehicle swerved into the space so fast that he grazed your chair, causing a scratch along his vehicle. You told the man he couldn’t park there but he told you he was going to run into the store and would be out in a few minutes. This angered you so you positioned your chair behind his vehicle so he couldn’t back out while you called the police on your cell phone. You refused to move when the man came out of the store and that’s where the altercation took place. The police arrive as he is trying to force you and your chair onto the sidewalk so he can leave. You want him arrested for the handicapped parking violation and for assaulting you and for reckless driving.
His story is that he admits to parking illegally in the parking space but didn’t come near you with his car as he parked. He told you that he would be out from the store in a few minutes. He alleges that you then intentionally drove your chair along his vehicle causing a large scratch that will cost several hundred dollars to repair. He wants you to be arrested for criminal damage to property and wants you to pay for the damage.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedScenario #2:
This scenario was designed to take place in a motel room. You will be outside the motel room when police arrive. You tell the police that a woman approached you in the bar and offered to show you a “good time” in her motel room. You admit that although she didn’t actually state that she would provide sex for money; you suspected that she might be a hooker.
You followed her to her room and once she closed the door, she forcibly took all the money you had ($120). She then shoved you out the door and told you to get lost. You want her arrested and want your money back.
She will say that she felt sorry for you and invited you back to her room for a drink. Once you got back there with her, you offered her money for sex, but she refused and was offended. She then asked you to leave. She doesn’t know anything about your money and denies taking it. If the police (the students run a criminal background on her, they will find she has had several priors for prostitution. And if they run a background on you, you will either come back clear or have one prior for solicitation.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedScenario #3:
You and two other people will be in the alley behind the bank. It is 0200 hours and the bar is closed. Police arrive as a result of an anonymous complaint and suspect a drug deal is going on in the alley. They will probably detain the other two role players but may be confused about what to do with you. The other role players will be arguing with the police to distract them. If the police ignore you, you attempt to leave and ignore their orders to stop. If they do forcefully stop you, you tell them “You’re only hassling me because I’m handicapped!” Neither of the other two role-players will have drugs or weapons on them. If they search you, they will find a gun and some drugs. At every chance, you attempt to leave. If they run a check on you, they will find a warrant for selling drugs.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedFinding out how this call could become life threatening in secondsFinding out what legal force could be used to stop a person who uses an electric wheelchairFinding out where it's lawful to search a person who uses a wheelchair in a Terry SearchScenario #4:
In this scenario, a storeowner will allege that you stole a watch from the jewelry store. The owner tells the police that you entered the store and wanted to look at a couple watches. While the watches were lying on top of the counter for you to examine, the phone rang and the storeowner was distracted. When the storeowner turned back to deal with you, you were leaving the store and one of the watches was missing.
You deny taking the watch and tell the police that another man entered the store and left while the storeowner was on the phone. If a watch was stolen, it must have been that man. You will have the watch in a pouch on your wheelchair. If the police ask if they can look in the pouch, you refuse and attempt to leave.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedFinding out what legal force could be used to stop a person who uses an electric wheelchairFinding out where it's lawful to search a person who uses a wheelchair in a Terry SearchScenario #5:
You are in a parking lot waiting for your ride. While there, you observe a man breaking into cars. You call the police on your cell phone. When police arrive, you describe the man to them who has now left the area. You tell the police that you saw the man throw something as he ran away when police arrive. You show them the area where the item was thrown. The police will discover a handgun. You will not be able to identify what you saw the man throw.
They will find the man and bring him to you for identification, which you do. The man will deny being in the area and accuses you of lying. They will be able to arrest the man and the police will have to decide if they can charge the man with a weapons violation for the handgun, since you were not able to identify what the man threw away.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedI, Kirk Wetzlich, designed the following three scenarios for use at CCJLE beginning in the fall of 2003. The scenarios continue to be used by I, Kirk Wetzlich, at the center with various instructors.
Scenario #1:
Dispatch informs the officers to handle a domestic at the apartment. Dispatch states that a male with a disability called 911 using a voice computer. The voice computer was difficult to understand, but the RP stated that his brother is arguing with him and that his brother just hit him!
Instructor notes:
When the officers arrive, they will be able to hear arguing going on! The arguing will be about the brother being lazy and not helping Kirk much! After the officers knock, the brother will yell, “did you call the fucking cops again you bastard! You have made a big mistake this time!” The brother will then open the door and argue with the officers for a while about having the right to enter when he’s on the lease but he will finally let them in.
Role-player instructions:
Kirk will tell the officers that he hired his brother to be his PCA and live with him, because his brother lost his job and didn’t have money for rent. Kirk will then state that his brother leaves for hours at a time and never cleans the apartment nor fixes things, but he always expects to be paid the same. Kirk will add that when he decided to confront his brother tonight about his lazy behavior, his brother hit him once across the face, so Kirk wants him arrested for domestic violence! (If the officers ask, Kirk will have a visible red mark on his left cheek). The brother will tell the officers that “Kirk doesn’t need much care; he just complains about my absences because he is lonely and because I have a hot girlfriend and he doesn’t have anyone. Also he gets jealous when he hears us going at it in the bedroom! I feel bad for him but I always do my job, so he has no fucking right to complain and bother the police!” If the officers ask about the red mark on Kirk, the brother will say that Kirk falls a lot when he tries to transfer himself! Kirk will say that he has to transfer himself when his brother neglects him and etc.
Learning objectives:
Gaining more experience with domestic callsFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methodsScenario #2:
Dispatch informs the officers to deal with an unwanted male at the apartment. Dispatch states that a female called 911 saying that a male just made her do a sexual act because he had a gun and he is still there.
Instructor notes:
When the officers arrive on scene, they won’t hear anything, and they can’t see in the apartment windows. After they enter the apartment, they will observe the female being very upset and scared! Also they might see a gun sticking out of Kirk’s side pouch, but they will discover that he has a valid carry permit for it.
Role-player instructions:
The female will tell the officers that she has worked with the male (Kirk) for years at Wal-Mart, so she decided to invite him for a friendly dinner, because he has always been nice to her. She will say that even though she really likes him as a friend, she didn’t view the dinner as being a date per say. She will then state that everything was cool during dinner, and they just had a nice conversation. However, she’ll say that after dinner he became really aggressive and asked if he could spend the night so they could make love. When she kind of laughed and told him no, he got mad and put his gun on the table and he said, “give me at least a blow job or this night will end badly!”
The male (Kirk) will tell the officers that she always kind of flirts with him at work. Also during dinner she was constantly touching his hands with saying that he looked nice and smelled good! He’ll say that after dinner he thought that she wanted to have fun so he put some moves on her. He’ll then say that when she rejected to his request of spending the night with her, he got a little annoyed but was okay with it. He’ll further state that he decided to take his gun out of his waistband to be more comfortable and set it on the table while they watched TV. Depending on the officers’ questioning, sometime the male will state that while they were on the couch watching TV, he asked if he could have a blow job even though he wasn’t spending the night. He’ll state that she said, “sure, why not”. Furthermore, he will state that the sexual act was totally consensual, and that he never meant his gun to scare her into doing the blow job.
Learning objectives:
Finding out that some disabled people might be allowed to legally carry a gun even though personally Kirk wouldn’t be due to his lack of dexterityFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methodsScenario #3:
Dispatch informs the officers to take a complaint regarding a neighbor dispute that just occurred. Dispatch relays to the officers that the RP stated that his neighbor just made terroristic threats against him.
Instructor notes:
In theory when the officers arrive, the RP will appear to be scared and have a red mark on his left face cheek. And he will be at his house alone. When the officers go to talk to the neighbor, he will appear calm but he’ll have a BB gun on his person. Note: the neighbor lives in the house directly behind the RP on the next block. Optional: he could have a friend with him who witnessed the altercation from his patio 40 feet away.
Role-player instructions:
The RP will state to the officers that he catches a MTC bus on the block behind his house to go to work every day, so he cuts through his neighbor’s yard, because it’s faster than going around the block. He states that his neighbor normally doesn’t have a problem with it, because neighborhood kids do the same thing and have created a path. But the RP further states that today when he cut through, his neighbor slapped him across his face and then brandished a gun and said, “if you ever cut through here again, you won’t make it home!” Thus the RP wants his neighbor arrested for assaulting him and for threatening him!
The neighbor will state that while a walking path exists in his yard, the RP never uses it and does donuts in his wheelchair all through his yard every day tearing it up! The neighbor states that he has repeatedly asked the RP to stay on the path as best as he can but he ignores his requests. Thus the neighbor further states that he kind of lost his cool today and really yelled at the RP for continuing to tear up the yard with his wheelchair! When the officers ask, the neighbor will first deny the slap and the brandishing. However, if the officers find the gun on a Terry, he will say that he kind of showed it to scare him because it’s just a BB gun. So if the officers arrest him for making terroristic threats, he should yell and say, “how the fuck can it be terroristic threats with a BB gun”?
Learning objectives:
Practicing how the Minnesota Terroristic Threat Statute could be appliedFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methodsI designed the following scenario for MTC in 2001. The scenario was never used, because MTC stopped using my services for their biannual trainings.
Scenario #1:
Dispatch informs the responding officers that the bus driver requested a health and welfare check on a current disabled passenger. Dispatch advises that no further information was obtained, because the driver's radio transmission cut out. Thus dispatch has already sent Healthspan code 2 but ETA is unknown.Instructor's notes:
The bus driver tells the officers that the guy near the back of the bus boarded at the same stop as the disabled person did. The driver also states that as he/she was assisting the disabled passenger get in the accessible seating, the passenger said the guy near the back just assaulted him/her. The driver says that the disabled passenger also said that he/she is in fear of his/her life and won't exit the bus! The driver shouldn't know what type of assault may have occurred and shouldn't know the relationship between the victim and suspect. The driver also shouldn't know that a weapon was involved. The assault should be physical or sexual but only with a brandishing of a knife that's six inches long. The victim should have red marks if the assault is physical. The scared victim should be willing to tell the officers what occurred but be hesitant about the weapon. The victim shouldn't have any family relationship to the suspect. The other passengers should witness the conversation between the victim and driver plus that the victim always looked scared. But only one witness should actually overhear the conversation between the victim and driver, because the witness was sitting near by the victim. The particular witness should freely confirm everything that the driver said if the officers ask good questions. Also that particular witness shouldn't have any knowledge of the weapon. But another witness should notice that whenever the victim looked back, the suspect flashed a knife.Role-player options:
The driver can be worried about getting to the rest of the bus stops on time if the officers delay too much in making decisions. The victim can change the type of assault with the different officer teams but always keep it just with a brandishing of a knife. Some of the witnesses can observe the suspect kind of bother the victim at the bus stop today but didn't see the actual assault occur. None of the witnesses or the driver can have any knowledge of the victim and suspect before today. The suspect can pull the knife if the officers don't use the escort hold well and don't use any light pain compliance while exiting the bus!
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedI designed the following the scenarios for Park Rangers in 2002.
Scenario #1
It's 20:28 (close to dusk). Dispatch informs the officers to check on an anonymous complaint regarding a disturbance in progress near the picnic and grill area.
Instructor notes:
Three role-players if possible will be hanging out around the picnic area. One will be selling the other two a small amount of cocaine. As the officers walk up, all the role-players run away.
Role-player options:
For each officer team, the role-players should take turns being the drug dealer. Only the drug dealer should have drugs and a gun or knife on his/her person. (The option of a gun and knife should be alternated for each officer team). The drug buyers should never have any drugs or weapons on their persons. But a small baggy can sometimes be thrown as officers walk up on scene. (The drug dealer should have drugs on his/her person even if a baggy is thrown). If officers run a check on the drug dealer, they will find a warrant for selling drugs.
If I, Kirk, am in this scenario and when I am the drug dealer, the officers will probably detain the other two role players but may be confused about what to do with me. The other role players should be arguing with the police to distract them. If the police ignore me, I would attempt to run again and ignore their orders to stop. If they do forcefully stop me, I would tell them "You're only hassling me because I'm disabled!" But if officers don't stop and let me go out of sight, I would wait about three minutes and then come back to the scene and pull my weapon sometimes.
Learning objectives:
Experiencing in figuring out who was the drug dealer from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedFinding out how this call could become life threatening in secondsFinding out what legal force could be used to stop a person who uses an electric wheelchairFinding out how to keep me restrained once detained or under arrestFinding out where it's lawful to search a person who uses a wheelchair in a Terry SearchFinding out how to transport a person who uses an electric wheelchair if under arrestAs you may have noticed, the above scenario is obviously quite similar to a scenario that Ward Mehlan designed for CCJLE. However, I have changed the scenario in several ways for the Park Ranger Institute.
Scenario #2
Dispatch informs the officers to check the health and welfare of a male in a wheelchair by the restroom and shower building. The RP states that he has been there for over fifteen minutes, and it appears that he is stuck.
Instructor Notes:
When officers arrive on scene, I, Kirk will be sitting near the building. Nothing will really be wrong and I will be just waiting for my PCA (personal care attendant) to get out of the bathroom. Several people will have already asked me if I am okay, so I will be kind of pissed!
Role-player options:
For the first officer team, I, Kirk, will just tell the officers that I am okay and that I am just waiting for my PCA. But that I am kind of annoyed because people keep asking if I am okay or if I need any help! I then thank the officers for checking and that I am sorry that they were called. For the second officer team, I will start running from the building as soon as I see the officers coming. If they stop me, I will again tell the officers that I am okay and just waiting for my PCA. If they ask why I ran, I will say that I was just sick of people asking if I was okay, and I didn't feel like answering the same fucking question from the pigs! But I won't have any weapons. For the third officer team, I will be completely pissed off when they approach me! I will say that I am just waiting for my PCA to get out of the fucking bathroom! I will then try to subtly put and rest my left hand on a knife that will be mounted on the left side of my wheelchair, and say, "I am so fucking sick of people asking if I'm okay! Shit, It's not like people haven't seen lots of guys waiting for women outside of bathrooms before! Please just leave me alone pigs"! I will only pull the knife if the officers don’t go away.
Learning objectives:
Reinforcing that any type of call can be dangerous, and that disabled people can be average citizens or criminalsExperiencing how to communicate with one disabled personPracticing going from to what appears to be a low risk call to a possible high risk call in secondsI designed the following scenario for the State Patrol in 2003 in hope of working with them in the future but it hasn’t happened yet.
Scenario#1
Dispatch informs the Rochester area Trooper to respond to an incapacitated driver who is having a possible heart attack approximately five miles from the first Rochester exit northbound on 52. Dispatch also states that the 911 call came from a disabled male using a voice computer who is the only passenger in the vehicle. The passenger stated that the vehicle is a green minivan and that it’s completely stopped on the right side of the highway. The passenger also stated that the driver is unconscious at this time.
Instructor notes:
When the Trooper first arrives on scene, he/she should obviously assess the driver while quickly trying to obtain preliminary information from me, Kirk, about the driver. I will relay the preliminary information either through nonverbal communication or through my voice computer. The preliminary information will be that the driver is my PCA (personal care attendant), his/her age, how long I have known him/her, and if I happen to know or experience him/her having any medical problems or issues before today. After medical rescue workers take charge of the driver, the Trooper should try to obtain detailed information from me as to what occurred. The detailed information will be that all of a sudden while we were cruising along on 52 the driver clutched his/her chest and said, ”shit I think I’m having a heart attack Kirk.” The driver then went unconscious and fell against the driver’s door. So I then quickly grabbed the steering wheel and took control until the vehicle automatically stopped. I then called 911 on my cell.
Role-player options:
For the first Trooper to go through this scenario, when he/she first arrives on scene, the driver should be unconscious and shouldn’t be breathing with no pulse, and he/she should remain in that state until medical rescue arrives. I will relay the preliminary and detailed information through my voice computer at the appropriate times if the Trooper asks me questions. For the second Trooper to go through this scenario, when he/she first arrives on scene, the driver should be conscious and kind of talking but quickly go unconscious and stop breathing but with a weak pulse and remain in that state until medical rescue arrives on scene. I will kind of be in shock, and I will tend to want to relay the preliminary information through nonverbal communication unless the Trooper encourages me to use my voice computer. I will most likely relay the detailed information through my voice computer if the trooper establishes a good rapport with me. For the third Trooper to go through this scenario, when he/she first arrives on scene, the driver should completely be unconscious but be breathing with a fair pulse and should remain in this state until medical rescue arrives on scene. I will relay the preliminary and detailed information quickly at the appropriate times if the Trooper asks me questions and reassures me that the driver is in fair condition. However, I won’t quite understand why the Trooper isn’t helping the driver much. I will get more aggravated about it by the minute! If the trooper doesn’t appropriately try to calm me down and explain why the driver doesn’t need much help right now, I may pull a weapon and say, “if you don’t fucking start doing something for my PCA, I’m going to kill you!”
Learning objectives:
Reinforcing that any type of call can either be low risk or dangerous, and that disabled people can be average citizens or criminalsExperiencing how to communicate with one disabled personPracticing going from to what appears to be a low risk call to a possible high risk call in secondsFinding out where it's lawful to search on a person who uses a wheelchair in a Terry SearchFinding out how to transport a person who uses an electric wheelchair if under arrestI designed the following two scenarios for Minneapolis Police Cadet supplemental training at CCJLE in April 2007.
Scenario #1:
Dispatch informs the officers to handle a domestic OFP violation at the Blue Bar. Dispatch states that a male called 911. The RP stated that his former boyfriend has been ordered to stay away from him due to domestic abuse and stalking. But the former boyfriend just entered the bar where the RP currently is.
Instructor notes:
When the officers arrive, they will be met by the RP. The RP will state that his former boyfriend, Kirk, frequently keeps coming to the bar to taunt him, because he knows that “I work here and hang out here”. The RP also will state that when Kirk came in tonight, he flashed a knife and grinned to him. The RP will further state that even though Kirk uses an electric wheelchair, he’s very strong and dangerous, and “I am scared of Kirk, so I want him arrested for the OFP violation”!
Role-player instructions:
Kirk will tell the officers that he just came in tonight with his friend (the female role-player) after work to have a drink and relax. If asked, Kirk will state that he believed that the OFP expired and that his former boyfriend always wants to get him in trouble for cheating years ago. If asked, Kirk will of course deny that he flashed a knife even though he actually did.
When Kirk is being arrested for the OFP violation, his friend (the female role-player) will start yelling that Kirk is a nice guy etc. and will start going off on his former boyfriend about being jealous of his new relationship, and he never really hurt him etc. The female may become so out of control that the officers may decide to arrest her for disorderly conduct or obstruction of justice.
Learning objectives:
Gaining experience with domestic OFP callsFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methodsScenario #2
Dispatch informs the officers to be on the lookout for a red station wagon near the Blue Bar, because a citizen just called 911 stating that they believed that they saw one of Minnesota’s most wanted in the vehicle when they drove by it five minutes ago. The RP stated that they saw a male being profiled last night on the channel 5 news as someone who has committed several sexual assaults on children and has a current warrant. But the RP couldn’t remember the male’s name. And the RP is on the way to the hospital in Rochester and can’t come back to the scene.
Instructor notes:
When the officers arrive and investigate the vehicle, they won’t find the male either in or around the vehicle. And the female who is currently in the vehicle will state that a male asked her for the time and a cigarette a while ago. She will further state that she briefly let the male sit in her car until his bus came because it’s very cold outside (or very hot if it’s summer). She will then state that the male got on his bus about five minutes ago and didn’t ask his name or where he was going. If asked why she’s hanging out in the bar parking lot, she will state that she is just waiting for her boyfriend, a bartender, to get done from work to give him a ride home. (If the officers ask dispatch or the female for a description of the male who was in the vehicle, the description should not fit any of the role-players who are working today, because the male really did leave before the officers arrived and isn’t coming back). At this time, the bartender comes out and states that “glad you’re here officers, because there’s a fight going on in the bar involving a guy in a wheelchair”. The bartender states that he needs to go home soon, but describes the two males who are verbally fighting in the bar. The bartender states that he thinks that the men are fighting about a woman, and the bartender states that he saw a knife on the man who isn’t using the wheelchair. The bartender further states that the officers should get in there quick, and the bartender states that he will stay around for a while even though his shift is over.
Role-player instructions:
When the officers enter the bar, they will see the men verbally and physically fighting! When the officers separate the men, they will of course give two different stories. Kirk will state that when a hot chick went to the bathroom, the dude who was with her came over to Kirk’s table, and claimed that I, Kirk, constantly was flirting with his woman by smiling and sticking my tongue out and looking down at her waist. Kirk will state that that “I did smile at her once when they were walking to their table just to be friendly, but then I just watched the game on TV and never looked at her again until she went to the bathroom just out of the corner of my eye”. Kirk will further state that “when the dude came to my table, he punched me in the eye and said don’t ever look at my woman again or else and he pointed to his knife in his pocket”. Thus Kirk will state that “I want the dude arrested for the assault and threat”!
The other role-player will state that Kirk constantly flirted with the girlfriend ever since they arrived at the bar by smiling and sticking his ugly tongue out and making wolf whistle sounds with his voice computer which obviously was annoying and interrupted our dinner! So the other role-player stated that while his girlfriend went to the bathroom, he went over to Kirk and just politely asked Kirk to knock it off and didn’t say anything else. But the other role-player stated that Kirk then went fucking ballistic saying that this is a free country and I can do whatever I fucking want etc. and started hitting me! So the other role-player will further state that he wants Kirk arrested for the assault and for being rude to his girlfriend! Of course Kirk and the other role-player will deny each other’s stories if asked. (However, both of their stories were essentially correct, and the male did point to his knife during their conversation to subtly threaten Kirk).
Learning objectives:
Gaining experience with calls that first appear to be one thing but suddenly become a totally different dangerous situationFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methods
How to treat people who have disabilities:
In theory, knowing how to treat people with disabilities should be simple, if you know what the golden rule is, treat others as you want to be treated! However, in reality, it’s not that simple! Who is really alike? No one! Thus, how do you really know how others want to be treated other than most likely with respect and kindness? You really don’t in all essence! Most people tend to quickly say “treat disabled people like anyone else”. It is indeed correct to treat all people equally as best as possible! However, everyone on earth has different qualities and challenges! Therefore, as criminal justice professionals or just as society members, you need to recognize and appreciate the unique qualities and challenges that individuals have, and be willing to try to accommodate for their desires and challenges! It is understandable why it can often be uncomfortable to be around persons with disabilities, because they don't fit the typical person that is known and accepted automatically by society. However, it is sad because even though persons with disabilities are especially different, essentially everyone has the same needs, desires, and basic functions! Even though it is bad to assume anything in criminal justice / law enforcement due to possible negative or even fatal effects it can have on you; please assume that persons with disabilities have average functions of their five senses, and that their thinking process is average unless you find out different. Don’t assume that standard or common accommodations will work for people who have similar disabilities, and don’t assume that every individual with a disability needs or wants accommodations. Try to let the individuals tell you what they desire and need! Also, try to make individuals feel comfortable talking to you! For example, if the individual is in a wheelchair, kneel down to talk to them, so you don’t intimidate them. If you are a police officer, remember that perceived victims could really be the suspects. Therefore, you want to always be cautious about kneeling down, because individuals could ram you easily by an electric wheelchair. Another way to make an individual feel comfortable talking to you, if they use an alternative communication style is to say that you have lots of time to talk so they don’t need to rush. However, be aware that some individuals may get mad at you for saying that, because they might feel that you’re belittling them. Also always look at them even if they are using an interpreter, because they’re still the ones who are talking to you. Furthermore, people with disabilities often get treated as children, because some people just assume if one part of an individual is affected by a disability, then all of their five senses and their intelligence must be affected. Therefore, don’t talk to people with disabilities as children if they are adults with average intellect! In short; try to talk to people with disabilities as how you would others.
Good and bad terms.
Some bad terms to use for persons with disabilities are the following. Avoid using the word “handicapped”, because it really means crippled. Don’t call a disability a condition, because it usually means “good or bad” like the weather forecast. Additionally, don’t call a disability a disease. While a few disabilities could be classified as being “diseases: such as Muscular Dystrophy and Multiple sclerosis (NINDS, 2006) because they attack the body, people often characterize diseases as being contagious or being bad. Furthermore, try not to say, “that person is disabled”; rather say, “that person has a disability”. Some of the current “in terms” referring to someone with a disability are physically or mentally impaired or impairments. However, some people with disabilities don’t like those terms! They may prefer to be referred to as having physical challenges or being physically challenged with having their specific type of disability such as cerebral palsy. It is also acceptable to refer to someone who has a mental disability as being mentally challenged. Nevertheless, the terms, physically disabled or mentally disabled are essentially acceptable.
How to interview someone with a disability:
As criminal justice professionals / police officers, it is important to remember some extra items when interviewing or arresting someone who has a disability. When interviewing someone with a disability if they are either a witness or a victim of a crime, you need to be more patient than average to effectively obtain information from them. For example, if you discover that they have a communication challenge, you may need to forego using open-ended questions even though you always want to avoid leading them. Nevertheless, always believe that they are capable of answering open-ended questions unless you discover different. If the person who you interview uses an alternative form of communication such as a voice computer or interpreter, you need to document that fact in your report. You also need to document in your report as to what specific disability they have, and if they use any prescribed medication for their disability. Further yet, you need to clarify as to how the person can be contacted by phone in the future for follow up, because every situation is different. All of these items are very important to have in your report because detectives and the prosecutor will want to know how to assist the individuals and how to prepare the jury by enabling the prosecutor to investigate how the specific disability exactly affects the particular individual. Furthermore, when you are interviewing a crime victim or witness who has a disability and if you feel reasonably safe in your current surroundings, you should try to kneel down to be less intimidating. However, you need to always remember officer safety, because they easily could be a suspect and quickly ram in to you or kill you with a hidden weapon!
How to conduct an investigative detention and/or a legal arrest of someone with a disability:
When you conduct an investigative detention or a legal arrest of a person who has a disability, you need to be aware of some extra legal and safety issues. For example, when talking to someone who is in a wheelchair, you need to have proper justification to immobilize their wheelchair. You would have proper justification to immobilize their wheelchair if they start to leave and won’t stop post to giving a strong verbal command! You would also be justified to immobilize their wheelchair post to executing a legal arrest. However, if you decide to immobilize their wheelchair, you need to have the mind-set that you have essentially removed their legs, so they can not move now without your assistance even in an emergency situation such as a vehicle quickly coming on the scene or another suspect starts firing a weapon! When you conduct a legal Terry Search / weapons search on a person in a wheelchair, you are justified to search them anywhere on their person or anywhere on their wheelchair, because you do not know where they can reach. When you need to take physical control of a person with a disability, obviously you need to show respect to them as you would to others by using the "ask tell make philosophy / method." Even though some disabilities can cause people to have excessive physical or mental fragility, do not be afraid to use any type of pain compliance technique on them, because your safety is the most important especially if they are starting to give you justification to begin to climb the use of force continuum. Also feel free to hand-cuff people in wheelchairs in the front when you believe that you have “the right to.”
When you conduct a legal arrest of someone who uses a wheelchair, make an effort to transport them in an accessible vehicle that allows them to remain in their wheelchair in effort to ensure their safety. Chapter five will list the contact information of available wheelchair accessible transportation services. However, if you absolutely need to take the person out of their wheelchair to transport them, you need to secure their wheelchair in a safe place, because some wheelchairs and accessory medical equipment can cost over 30 thousand dollars. Also you need to check if they can still communicate and breathe if they are out of their wheelchair, because some people use communicating and breathing equipment that attach and only function on their wheelchair. Furthermore, when you need to disengage an electric wheelchair so it is electrically not operational and you can manually push it you should look for levers on either the back of the wheelchair or on both lower sides of the wheelchair. According to a local medical supply company, Metro Medical, the current majority of electric wheelchairs have their disengage levers on both sides or on the back but a few have a single lever under the seat. Also according to Metro Medical, most electric wheelchairs can not be manually pushed even when the wheelchair is still electrically turned on even if you use the disengage levers first, but a few wheelchairs can be manually pushed if they are still electrically turned on. Chapter five will list a resource to find out more information about wheelchairs. However, if you can’t find or reach the disengage levers when chasing someone using an electric wheelchair; most criminal justice professionals believe that you would have a right to tip over the wheelchair when the person just shot someone or if you believe the person is likely to commit a crime with a weapon. Nevertheless, you should always have the totality of the circumstances in mind, because if you tip over a wheelchair, you will probably be on the news. However, the personal safety of you and other law-abiding citizens should be always your top priority as a criminal justice professional!
Below will be many fictional scenarios that I have designed and/or used to train criminal justice professionals to effectively interact with people who have disabilities. Even though all of the scenarios are fictional, any criminal justice professional could be easily faced with similar situations in real life tomorrow!
In the following scenario that, Bill Hollock, and, I, Kirk Wetzlich, designed for Report Writing classes in 2001 at the Center for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement (CCJLE), the witness refers to a person with a disability (Kirk). Mr. Hollock has since retired, but the scenarios continue to be used by I, Kirk Wetzlich, at the center with various instructors such as Jerry Hutcheson and Mike Peterson.
The Scenario:
In this scenario, dispatch informs the officers to respond to an assault at the Blue bar in the parking lot. When the students begin to interview you, the victim, can encourage them to sit down. When the students ask you, the victim, to tell them what happened, you can begin by saying that you were going to the Blue Bar on 1380 Energy Lane, St. Paul, Minnesota. You parked your vehicle in the parking lot, and you walked towards the front of the bar. If the students ask, you can describe your vehicle as being a red four door 1986 Mercury station wagon with Minnesota plates of, GRL 6969. You state that you were upset about a fight you had with your boyfriend earlier, because he has been cheating on you and you just found out. While you were walking in the parking lot you are approached by a male, who you have never seen before. If the students ask, you can say that you go to this bar about once a week. Also if the students ask, you can describe the male as being a Caucasian male about five foot nine with black short hair and wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans. The male asked you if you wanted to have a good time. You talk back and forth and he pulls out a small baggie of white powder from his pants pocket, but you don't recall which pocket, because you are very upset and you realize it is drugs. You tell the male, that it has been a bad day and you are "ready to party." You then went in your vehicle on the passenger side and on the front seat. The students should ask you what seat you got into. The male went into your car behind the steering wheel. The students should clarify where he got into the vehicle. In the car you make small talk for several minutes, and then the conversation turned to sex. The male then unzipped his pants and said "give me a blow job, if you want any of the drugs." The students should clarify by what exactly you mean by a blow job.
You started yelling and started to get out of the car. The male then grabbed your left breast and tried to hold onto you. Try to give the student a mental picture of exactly how it occurred and that you were scared to death! The male had a knife in his other hand and said that you better do what he told you to do. You started crying and managed to exit your vehicle. You ran to a nearby phone booth and called 911. You mention that you saw a male in a wheelchair at the bus stop nearby. You state that you think that the male in the wheelchair may have witnessed part of the incident. You think that the male left your car, but you have no idea where he went. You want to press charges and you know you can identify the male if you saw him again. The students should tell you to wait or have another officer wait with you, etc. You refuse medical attention if asked. The students should leave you with a business card, a card with the case number on it, and victim/witness rights card. The students need to show compassion, introduce themselves to you, and sit down and make good eye contact with you. You are an upset victim.
When the students begin to interview you, the witness, encourage them to sit down. You have been sitting at the bus stop by the Blue Bar for about 20 minutes. Being that you have probably seen many people by the bar in the 20 minute time frame, try to get the students to tell you what the vehicle looked like, so you know who they are talking about without giving you too much information about the incident. You can then begin by saying that you saw a female and a male talking for about five minutes kind of near the red station wagon and then they both got in that vehicle. Try to get the students to ask you if you saw the drugs while the people were talking before they entered the vehicle. Teach them not to lead you if they ask you questions such as did the male have anything in his hands, did the male show anything to the female etc. You should suggest that a better question would be what all did you see when the people were talking before they entered the vehicle. Once the students have asked you a non-leading question, you can say that you did see something. But you don't know if it was drugs or not; you have never touched the shit; because you wanted to be a cop but they denied you do to your stupid disability! But you do watch cops a lot on TV, so you think the white powder was real drugs. And then say, "but officers, I'm just a clerk at Target so it very well could have been just sugar!"
Now, in effort to make the students think about establishing more possible reasonable suspicion and corroboration; try to get the students to verify with you as to who had the drugs, if an exchange occurred, and where the drugs went. Once the students have asked you some appropriate questions, you can say that you saw the male flashed the shit to the female in a baggy, and he put the baggy back in his left front pocket. Next say that they both went in the vehicle. Again, to make the students think about establishing more corroboration; get the students to ask you where the people specifically entered and sat in the vehicle and how long they stayed in the vehicle. Once the students have asked the specific questions; say that the male went in on the driver's side and the female got in on the passenger side, and you can say that you think the male and the female were talking inside the vehicle for about five minutes. If the students ask if you saw anything happen inside of the vehicle, say that you saw just bodies moving around somewhat. Try to get the students to ask you to describe the body movement. If the students ask, you can say that it looked like they were just talking. Then say that a good follow up question would be that did you see a struggle take place inside the vehicle. You can say that you never saw a struggle inside the vehicle. Also you can say that asking about a struggle at this point really isn’t leading, because you already have said that you saw body movement. Next say that the chick got out of the car and kind of quickly ran out of sight. Then about two minutes later, the dude got out of the car and shut a knife and then he went away. Make sure that the students know that it was a critical fact that you actually saw the male shut the knife, because it established very probable corroboration that the knife was out and open while they were inside the vehicle. If you’re asked, say that you believe that the knife was about six inches long with a silver blade, and you believe that he put the knife in his back right pocket. If asked, say that the male went in the bar. Try to get the students to ask some follow up questions about the male such as verify what bar, how long ago did he enter the bar, has he come out, and have you left the area at any time since he entered the bar. Once you are asked, say that the male went in the Blue Bar about five minutes ago, and you haven’t left the area at any time since he entered the bar. It is important for the students to now ask you for a description of the male and the female. Once you are asked, you can describe the male as being a Caucasian male about five foot nine with black short hair and wearing a blue T-shirt and blue jeans. Also you should just point out the female since she should be in close proximity to you. Now, to make the students think to check for witness credibility; you should suggest to the students that a good follow up question would be to ask if you have seen either the female or the male before, in effort to check if you may have any biases towards either one of them or if you may be lying for one of them. Once you are asked, say that you have never seen the male or the female before. You can mention that police officers tend to think that this type of a witness as being credible and/or independent. Now, try to get the students to ask some questions about the female such as where she went after leaving the vehicle and her physical appearance. Once you are asked, you can say that she went to the pay phone across the street, and she had tears running down on her face, but her clothing appeared to be normal and nothing looked out of place. Now, try to leave, so the students will need to ask you to stay to positively identify the male suspect. Ask to leave now, because the last wheelchair accessible MTC bus of the day is coming in three minutes. If the students feel that you can leave at this point, tell them to pretend that you are going to Australia later today for a month. Hopefully the students will then recognize the importance of trying to get you to stay on the scene to positively identify the male enabling them to do a show up versus a line up positive identification. When the students ask you to stay, ask how they would transport you and your electric wheelchair home. Most students won’t know any transportation options. Thus you should automatically mention that even though some people with disabilities don’t like Metro Mobility, they should mention Metro as being one option, so you can be assured that they will find you safe and accessible transportation home. If the students don’t show much effort in trying to convince you that they will indeed find you safe and accessible transportation home, you can say that pigs couldn't find the SOB who shot your brother, so why should I trust you! The statement will hopefully show the students that witnesses don’t always trust the police, thus they need to spend a little time to show true compassion for your extra needs as a witness with a disability. Next be sure that the students know that it is very important to document in their report what disability you have which is cerebral palsy and that you use a voice computer to communicate. Tell the students that those two items are very critical to put in their report, because detectives and the prosecutor will want to know how to assist you and how to prepare the jury. Also say that the documentation of your disability will enable the prosecutor to investigate how the disability affects you personally, because cerebral palsy can affect people in many different ways. When the students ask for your contact information, tell them that it is important to verify how you can be contacted by phone later for follow up being that you use a voice computer to communicate. When you are asked, say to just leave a message, and you will call them back. Also mention that personally you may decide to wait to call back until you have a care attendant around to help you to communicate quicker but every situation is obviously different hence that is why they need to ask how you can be contacted by phone. Furthermore, be sure that the students give you a victim/witness rights card to ensure that they understand that witnesses have rights similar to victims. Also be sure that the students know to put in their report that you agreed to stay to positively identify the male and that you were given a victim/witness rights card.
When the students begin to interview you, the suspect, encourage them to sit down. If the students establish some rapport, you, the suspect, can admit after awhile that you did meet a woman in the parking lot of the bar. You can say that she offered you drugs and asked you to party with her. She had drugs and told you to get into her car which was a red station wagon. You went in to the vehicle on the front driver's seat. You can say that the woman was coming on to you, and then she got upset when you told her that you would not have sex with her, because you have higher standards, and she started hitting you because of that comment. You can mention that the woman must be a crazy. Deny any wrong doing and blame the woman for starting the incident. If the students ask about a knife, say you have an old one that you use to cut boxes at work. You can say that someone gave it to you years ago. Have the knife in your pocket. If they ask to see it, take it out quickly and put it on the table in front of you. Try to make the students think about officer safety. If the students ask you about having the knife out, say that you never did. If they keep asking, say that it may have fallen out of your pocket as you were getting out of the car trying to get away from the crazy lady! If the students ask, tell them that you do not do drugs. If they ask if you have some on your person, tell them you have no drugs on you. If they ask to do a consent search, say no and make up a reason why. You can be willing to talk with them, and ask them several times about why they are asking you questions, and not others in the bar. You can be more vocal if they do not communicate in the proper manner. The students need to develop more probable cause before they arrest you, and they need to practice good interview skills. Depending on their control, you can resist slightly or not if they have good control.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedFinding out how this call could become life threatening in secondsFinding out how to transport a person who uses an electric wheelchairIn the 5 following scenarios that, Ward Mehlan, designed for crimes in progress classes in 2001 at the Center for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement (CCJLE), “you” or “your” always refers to a person with a disability (Kirk). Mr. Mehlan has retired, but the scenarios continue to be used by I, Kirk Wetzlich, at the center with various instructors.
Scenario #1:
In this scenario, you call the police because of a disturbance in a parking lot. Here’s what happened: a man pulled his car into a handicapped parking spot. He did not have a handicapped parking permit on his vehicle.
Your story is this: you tell the police that you were waiting for our ride to arrive while you were positioned near the handicapped parking space. The vehicle swerved into the space so fast that he grazed your chair, causing a scratch along his vehicle. You told the man he couldn’t park there but he told you he was going to run into the store and would be out in a few minutes. This angered you so you positioned your chair behind his vehicle so he couldn’t back out while you called the police on your cell phone. You refused to move when the man came out of the store and that’s where the altercation took place. The police arrive as he is trying to force you and your chair onto the sidewalk so he can leave. You want him arrested for the handicapped parking violation and for assaulting you and for reckless driving.
His story is that he admits to parking illegally in the parking space but didn’t come near you with his car as he parked. He told you that he would be out from the store in a few minutes. He alleges that you then intentionally drove your chair along his vehicle causing a large scratch that will cost several hundred dollars to repair. He wants you to be arrested for criminal damage to property and wants you to pay for the damage.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedScenario #2:
This scenario was designed to take place in a motel room. You will be outside the motel room when police arrive. You tell the police that a woman approached you in the bar and offered to show you a “good time” in her motel room. You admit that although she didn’t actually state that she would provide sex for money; you suspected that she might be a hooker.
You followed her to her room and once she closed the door, she forcibly took all the money you had ($120). She then shoved you out the door and told you to get lost. You want her arrested and want your money back.
She will say that she felt sorry for you and invited you back to her room for a drink. Once you got back there with her, you offered her money for sex, but she refused and was offended. She then asked you to leave. She doesn’t know anything about your money and denies taking it. If the police (the students run a criminal background on her, they will find she has had several priors for prostitution. And if they run a background on you, you will either come back clear or have one prior for solicitation.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedScenario #3:
You and two other people will be in the alley behind the bank. It is 0200 hours and the bar is closed. Police arrive as a result of an anonymous complaint and suspect a drug deal is going on in the alley. They will probably detain the other two role players but may be confused about what to do with you. The other role players will be arguing with the police to distract them. If the police ignore you, you attempt to leave and ignore their orders to stop. If they do forcefully stop you, you tell them “You’re only hassling me because I’m handicapped!” Neither of the other two role-players will have drugs or weapons on them. If they search you, they will find a gun and some drugs. At every chance, you attempt to leave. If they run a check on you, they will find a warrant for selling drugs.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedFinding out how this call could become life threatening in secondsFinding out what legal force could be used to stop a person who uses an electric wheelchairFinding out where it's lawful to search a person who uses a wheelchair in a Terry SearchScenario #4:
In this scenario, a storeowner will allege that you stole a watch from the jewelry store. The owner tells the police that you entered the store and wanted to look at a couple watches. While the watches were lying on top of the counter for you to examine, the phone rang and the storeowner was distracted. When the storeowner turned back to deal with you, you were leaving the store and one of the watches was missing.
You deny taking the watch and tell the police that another man entered the store and left while the storeowner was on the phone. If a watch was stolen, it must have been that man. You will have the watch in a pouch on your wheelchair. If the police ask if they can look in the pouch, you refuse and attempt to leave.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedFinding out what legal force could be used to stop a person who uses an electric wheelchairFinding out where it's lawful to search a person who uses a wheelchair in a Terry SearchScenario #5:
You are in a parking lot waiting for your ride. While there, you observe a man breaking into cars. You call the police on your cell phone. When police arrive, you describe the man to them who has now left the area. You tell the police that you saw the man throw something as he ran away when police arrive. You show them the area where the item was thrown. The police will discover a handgun. You will not be able to identify what you saw the man throw.
They will find the man and bring him to you for identification, which you do. The man will deny being in the area and accuses you of lying. They will be able to arrest the man and the police will have to decide if they can charge the man with a weapons violation for the handgun, since you were not able to identify what the man threw away.
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedI, Kirk Wetzlich, designed the following three scenarios for use at CCJLE beginning in the fall of 2003. The scenarios continue to be used by I, Kirk Wetzlich, at the center with various instructors.
Scenario #1:
Dispatch informs the officers to handle a domestic at the apartment. Dispatch states that a male with a disability called 911 using a voice computer. The voice computer was difficult to understand, but the RP stated that his brother is arguing with him and that his brother just hit him!
Instructor notes:
When the officers arrive, they will be able to hear arguing going on! The arguing will be about the brother being lazy and not helping Kirk much! After the officers knock, the brother will yell, “did you call the fucking cops again you bastard! You have made a big mistake this time!” The brother will then open the door and argue with the officers for a while about having the right to enter when he’s on the lease but he will finally let them in.
Role-player instructions:
Kirk will tell the officers that he hired his brother to be his PCA and live with him, because his brother lost his job and didn’t have money for rent. Kirk will then state that his brother leaves for hours at a time and never cleans the apartment nor fixes things, but he always expects to be paid the same. Kirk will add that when he decided to confront his brother tonight about his lazy behavior, his brother hit him once across the face, so Kirk wants him arrested for domestic violence! (If the officers ask, Kirk will have a visible red mark on his left cheek). The brother will tell the officers that “Kirk doesn’t need much care; he just complains about my absences because he is lonely and because I have a hot girlfriend and he doesn’t have anyone. Also he gets jealous when he hears us going at it in the bedroom! I feel bad for him but I always do my job, so he has no fucking right to complain and bother the police!” If the officers ask about the red mark on Kirk, the brother will say that Kirk falls a lot when he tries to transfer himself! Kirk will say that he has to transfer himself when his brother neglects him and etc.
Learning objectives:
Gaining more experience with domestic callsFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methodsScenario #2:
Dispatch informs the officers to deal with an unwanted male at the apartment. Dispatch states that a female called 911 saying that a male just made her do a sexual act because he had a gun and he is still there.
Instructor notes:
When the officers arrive on scene, they won’t hear anything, and they can’t see in the apartment windows. After they enter the apartment, they will observe the female being very upset and scared! Also they might see a gun sticking out of Kirk’s side pouch, but they will discover that he has a valid carry permit for it.
Role-player instructions:
The female will tell the officers that she has worked with the male (Kirk) for years at Wal-Mart, so she decided to invite him for a friendly dinner, because he has always been nice to her. She will say that even though she really likes him as a friend, she didn’t view the dinner as being a date per say. She will then state that everything was cool during dinner, and they just had a nice conversation. However, she’ll say that after dinner he became really aggressive and asked if he could spend the night so they could make love. When she kind of laughed and told him no, he got mad and put his gun on the table and he said, “give me at least a blow job or this night will end badly!”
The male (Kirk) will tell the officers that she always kind of flirts with him at work. Also during dinner she was constantly touching his hands with saying that he looked nice and smelled good! He’ll say that after dinner he thought that she wanted to have fun so he put some moves on her. He’ll then say that when she rejected to his request of spending the night with her, he got a little annoyed but was okay with it. He’ll further state that he decided to take his gun out of his waistband to be more comfortable and set it on the table while they watched TV. Depending on the officers’ questioning, sometime the male will state that while they were on the couch watching TV, he asked if he could have a blow job even though he wasn’t spending the night. He’ll state that she said, “sure, why not”. Furthermore, he will state that the sexual act was totally consensual, and that he never meant his gun to scare her into doing the blow job.
Learning objectives:
Finding out that some disabled people might be allowed to legally carry a gun even though personally Kirk wouldn’t be due to his lack of dexterityFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methodsScenario #3:
Dispatch informs the officers to take a complaint regarding a neighbor dispute that just occurred. Dispatch relays to the officers that the RP stated that his neighbor just made terroristic threats against him.
Instructor notes:
In theory when the officers arrive, the RP will appear to be scared and have a red mark on his left face cheek. And he will be at his house alone. When the officers go to talk to the neighbor, he will appear calm but he’ll have a BB gun on his person. Note: the neighbor lives in the house directly behind the RP on the next block. Optional: he could have a friend with him who witnessed the altercation from his patio 40 feet away.
Role-player instructions:
The RP will state to the officers that he catches a MTC bus on the block behind his house to go to work every day, so he cuts through his neighbor’s yard, because it’s faster than going around the block. He states that his neighbor normally doesn’t have a problem with it, because neighborhood kids do the same thing and have created a path. But the RP further states that today when he cut through, his neighbor slapped him across his face and then brandished a gun and said, “if you ever cut through here again, you won’t make it home!” Thus the RP wants his neighbor arrested for assaulting him and for threatening him!
The neighbor will state that while a walking path exists in his yard, the RP never uses it and does donuts in his wheelchair all through his yard every day tearing it up! The neighbor states that he has repeatedly asked the RP to stay on the path as best as he can but he ignores his requests. Thus the neighbor further states that he kind of lost his cool today and really yelled at the RP for continuing to tear up the yard with his wheelchair! When the officers ask, the neighbor will first deny the slap and the brandishing. However, if the officers find the gun on a Terry, he will say that he kind of showed it to scare him because it’s just a BB gun. So if the officers arrest him for making terroristic threats, he should yell and say, “how the fuck can it be terroristic threats with a BB gun”?
Learning objectives:
Practicing how the Minnesota Terroristic Threat Statute could be appliedFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methodsI designed the following scenario for MTC in 2001. The scenario was never used, because MTC stopped using my services for their biannual trainings.
Scenario #1:
Dispatch informs the responding officers that the bus driver requested a health and welfare check on a current disabled passenger. Dispatch advises that no further information was obtained, because the driver's radio transmission cut out. Thus dispatch has already sent Healthspan code 2 but ETA is unknown.Instructor's notes:
The bus driver tells the officers that the guy near the back of the bus boarded at the same stop as the disabled person did. The driver also states that as he/she was assisting the disabled passenger get in the accessible seating, the passenger said the guy near the back just assaulted him/her. The driver says that the disabled passenger also said that he/she is in fear of his/her life and won't exit the bus! The driver shouldn't know what type of assault may have occurred and shouldn't know the relationship between the victim and suspect. The driver also shouldn't know that a weapon was involved. The assault should be physical or sexual but only with a brandishing of a knife that's six inches long. The victim should have red marks if the assault is physical. The scared victim should be willing to tell the officers what occurred but be hesitant about the weapon. The victim shouldn't have any family relationship to the suspect. The other passengers should witness the conversation between the victim and driver plus that the victim always looked scared. But only one witness should actually overhear the conversation between the victim and driver, because the witness was sitting near by the victim. The particular witness should freely confirm everything that the driver said if the officers ask good questions. Also that particular witness shouldn't have any knowledge of the weapon. But another witness should notice that whenever the victim looked back, the suspect flashed a knife.Role-player options:
The driver can be worried about getting to the rest of the bus stops on time if the officers delay too much in making decisions. The victim can change the type of assault with the different officer teams but always keep it just with a brandishing of a knife. Some of the witnesses can observe the suspect kind of bother the victim at the bus stop today but didn't see the actual assault occur. None of the witnesses or the driver can have any knowledge of the victim and suspect before today. The suspect can pull the knife if the officers don't use the escort hold well and don't use any light pain compliance while exiting the bus!
Learning objectives:
Gaining knowledge of how to effectively interact with people who have disabilitiesExperiencing in figuring out who really was the criminal from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedI designed the following the scenarios for Park Rangers in 2002.
Scenario #1
It's 20:28 (close to dusk). Dispatch informs the officers to check on an anonymous complaint regarding a disturbance in progress near the picnic and grill area.
Instructor notes:
Three role-players if possible will be hanging out around the picnic area. One will be selling the other two a small amount of cocaine. As the officers walk up, all the role-players run away.
Role-player options:
For each officer team, the role-players should take turns being the drug dealer. Only the drug dealer should have drugs and a gun or knife on his/her person. (The option of a gun and knife should be alternated for each officer team). The drug buyers should never have any drugs or weapons on their persons. But a small baggy can sometimes be thrown as officers walk up on scene. (The drug dealer should have drugs on his/her person even if a baggy is thrown). If officers run a check on the drug dealer, they will find a warrant for selling drugs.
If I, Kirk, am in this scenario and when I am the drug dealer, the officers will probably detain the other two role players but may be confused about what to do with me. The other role players should be arguing with the police to distract them. If the police ignore me, I would attempt to run again and ignore their orders to stop. If they do forcefully stop me, I would tell them "You're only hassling me because I'm disabled!" But if officers don't stop and let me go out of sight, I would wait about three minutes and then come back to the scene and pull my weapon sometimes.
Learning objectives:
Experiencing in figuring out who was the drug dealer from no admissionsExperiencing in articulating why the suspects could be stopped and detainedFinding out how this call could become life threatening in secondsFinding out what legal force could be used to stop a person who uses an electric wheelchairFinding out how to keep me restrained once detained or under arrestFinding out where it's lawful to search a person who uses a wheelchair in a Terry SearchFinding out how to transport a person who uses an electric wheelchair if under arrestAs you may have noticed, the above scenario is obviously quite similar to a scenario that Ward Mehlan designed for CCJLE. However, I have changed the scenario in several ways for the Park Ranger Institute.
Scenario #2
Dispatch informs the officers to check the health and welfare of a male in a wheelchair by the restroom and shower building. The RP states that he has been there for over fifteen minutes, and it appears that he is stuck.
Instructor Notes:
When officers arrive on scene, I, Kirk will be sitting near the building. Nothing will really be wrong and I will be just waiting for my PCA (personal care attendant) to get out of the bathroom. Several people will have already asked me if I am okay, so I will be kind of pissed!
Role-player options:
For the first officer team, I, Kirk, will just tell the officers that I am okay and that I am just waiting for my PCA. But that I am kind of annoyed because people keep asking if I am okay or if I need any help! I then thank the officers for checking and that I am sorry that they were called. For the second officer team, I will start running from the building as soon as I see the officers coming. If they stop me, I will again tell the officers that I am okay and just waiting for my PCA. If they ask why I ran, I will say that I was just sick of people asking if I was okay, and I didn't feel like answering the same fucking question from the pigs! But I won't have any weapons. For the third officer team, I will be completely pissed off when they approach me! I will say that I am just waiting for my PCA to get out of the fucking bathroom! I will then try to subtly put and rest my left hand on a knife that will be mounted on the left side of my wheelchair, and say, "I am so fucking sick of people asking if I'm okay! Shit, It's not like people haven't seen lots of guys waiting for women outside of bathrooms before! Please just leave me alone pigs"! I will only pull the knife if the officers don’t go away.
Learning objectives:
Reinforcing that any type of call can be dangerous, and that disabled people can be average citizens or criminalsExperiencing how to communicate with one disabled personPracticing going from to what appears to be a low risk call to a possible high risk call in secondsI designed the following scenario for the State Patrol in 2003 in hope of working with them in the future but it hasn’t happened yet.
Scenario#1
Dispatch informs the Rochester area Trooper to respond to an incapacitated driver who is having a possible heart attack approximately five miles from the first Rochester exit northbound on 52. Dispatch also states that the 911 call came from a disabled male using a voice computer who is the only passenger in the vehicle. The passenger stated that the vehicle is a green minivan and that it’s completely stopped on the right side of the highway. The passenger also stated that the driver is unconscious at this time.
Instructor notes:
When the Trooper first arrives on scene, he/she should obviously assess the driver while quickly trying to obtain preliminary information from me, Kirk, about the driver. I will relay the preliminary information either through nonverbal communication or through my voice computer. The preliminary information will be that the driver is my PCA (personal care attendant), his/her age, how long I have known him/her, and if I happen to know or experience him/her having any medical problems or issues before today. After medical rescue workers take charge of the driver, the Trooper should try to obtain detailed information from me as to what occurred. The detailed information will be that all of a sudden while we were cruising along on 52 the driver clutched his/her chest and said, ”shit I think I’m having a heart attack Kirk.” The driver then went unconscious and fell against the driver’s door. So I then quickly grabbed the steering wheel and took control until the vehicle automatically stopped. I then called 911 on my cell.
Role-player options:
For the first Trooper to go through this scenario, when he/she first arrives on scene, the driver should be unconscious and shouldn’t be breathing with no pulse, and he/she should remain in that state until medical rescue arrives. I will relay the preliminary and detailed information through my voice computer at the appropriate times if the Trooper asks me questions. For the second Trooper to go through this scenario, when he/she first arrives on scene, the driver should be conscious and kind of talking but quickly go unconscious and stop breathing but with a weak pulse and remain in that state until medical rescue arrives on scene. I will kind of be in shock, and I will tend to want to relay the preliminary information through nonverbal communication unless the Trooper encourages me to use my voice computer. I will most likely relay the detailed information through my voice computer if the trooper establishes a good rapport with me. For the third Trooper to go through this scenario, when he/she first arrives on scene, the driver should completely be unconscious but be breathing with a fair pulse and should remain in this state until medical rescue arrives on scene. I will relay the preliminary and detailed information quickly at the appropriate times if the Trooper asks me questions and reassures me that the driver is in fair condition. However, I won’t quite understand why the Trooper isn’t helping the driver much. I will get more aggravated about it by the minute! If the trooper doesn’t appropriately try to calm me down and explain why the driver doesn’t need much help right now, I may pull a weapon and say, “if you don’t fucking start doing something for my PCA, I’m going to kill you!”
Learning objectives:
Reinforcing that any type of call can either be low risk or dangerous, and that disabled people can be average citizens or criminalsExperiencing how to communicate with one disabled personPracticing going from to what appears to be a low risk call to a possible high risk call in secondsFinding out where it's lawful to search on a person who uses a wheelchair in a Terry SearchFinding out how to transport a person who uses an electric wheelchair if under arrestI designed the following two scenarios for Minneapolis Police Cadet supplemental training at CCJLE in April 2007.
Scenario #1:
Dispatch informs the officers to handle a domestic OFP violation at the Blue Bar. Dispatch states that a male called 911. The RP stated that his former boyfriend has been ordered to stay away from him due to domestic abuse and stalking. But the former boyfriend just entered the bar where the RP currently is.
Instructor notes:
When the officers arrive, they will be met by the RP. The RP will state that his former boyfriend, Kirk, frequently keeps coming to the bar to taunt him, because he knows that “I work here and hang out here”. The RP also will state that when Kirk came in tonight, he flashed a knife and grinned to him. The RP will further state that even though Kirk uses an electric wheelchair, he’s very strong and dangerous, and “I am scared of Kirk, so I want him arrested for the OFP violation”!
Role-player instructions:
Kirk will tell the officers that he just came in tonight with his friend (the female role-player) after work to have a drink and relax. If asked, Kirk will state that he believed that the OFP expired and that his former boyfriend always wants to get him in trouble for cheating years ago. If asked, Kirk will of course deny that he flashed a knife even though he actually did.
When Kirk is being arrested for the OFP violation, his friend (the female role-player) will start yelling that Kirk is a nice guy etc. and will start going off on his former boyfriend about being jealous of his new relationship, and he never really hurt him etc. The female may become so out of control that the officers may decide to arrest her for disorderly conduct or obstruction of justice.
Learning objectives:
Gaining experience with domestic OFP callsFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methodsScenario #2
Dispatch informs the officers to be on the lookout for a red station wagon near the Blue Bar, because a citizen just called 911 stating that they believed that they saw one of Minnesota’s most wanted in the vehicle when they drove by it five minutes ago. The RP stated that they saw a male being profiled last night on the channel 5 news as someone who has committed several sexual assaults on children and has a current warrant. But the RP couldn’t remember the male’s name. And the RP is on the way to the hospital in Rochester and can’t come back to the scene.
Instructor notes:
When the officers arrive and investigate the vehicle, they won’t find the male either in or around the vehicle. And the female who is currently in the vehicle will state that a male asked her for the time and a cigarette a while ago. She will further state that she briefly let the male sit in her car until his bus came because it’s very cold outside (or very hot if it’s summer). She will then state that the male got on his bus about five minutes ago and didn’t ask his name or where he was going. If asked why she’s hanging out in the bar parking lot, she will state that she is just waiting for her boyfriend, a bartender, to get done from work to give him a ride home. (If the officers ask dispatch or the female for a description of the male who was in the vehicle, the description should not fit any of the role-players who are working today, because the male really did leave before the officers arrived and isn’t coming back). At this time, the bartender comes out and states that “glad you’re here officers, because there’s a fight going on in the bar involving a guy in a wheelchair”. The bartender states that he needs to go home soon, but describes the two males who are verbally fighting in the bar. The bartender states that he thinks that the men are fighting about a woman, and the bartender states that he saw a knife on the man who isn’t using the wheelchair. The bartender further states that the officers should get in there quick, and the bartender states that he will stay around for a while even though his shift is over.
Role-player instructions:
When the officers enter the bar, they will see the men verbally and physically fighting! When the officers separate the men, they will of course give two different stories. Kirk will state that when a hot chick went to the bathroom, the dude who was with her came over to Kirk’s table, and claimed that I, Kirk, constantly was flirting with his woman by smiling and sticking my tongue out and looking down at her waist. Kirk will state that that “I did smile at her once when they were walking to their table just to be friendly, but then I just watched the game on TV and never looked at her again until she went to the bathroom just out of the corner of my eye”. Kirk will further state that “when the dude came to my table, he punched me in the eye and said don’t ever look at my woman again or else and he pointed to his knife in his pocket”. Thus Kirk will state that “I want the dude arrested for the assault and threat”!
The other role-player will state that Kirk constantly flirted with the girlfriend ever since they arrived at the bar by smiling and sticking his ugly tongue out and making wolf whistle sounds with his voice computer which obviously was annoying and interrupted our dinner! So the other role-player stated that while his girlfriend went to the bathroom, he went over to Kirk and just politely asked Kirk to knock it off and didn’t say anything else. But the other role-player stated that Kirk then went fucking ballistic saying that this is a free country and I can do whatever I fucking want etc. and started hitting me! So the other role-player will further state that he wants Kirk arrested for the assault and for being rude to his girlfriend! Of course Kirk and the other role-player will deny each other’s stories if asked. (However, both of their stories were essentially correct, and the male did point to his knife during their conversation to subtly threaten Kirk).
Learning objectives:
Gaining experience with calls that first appear to be one thing but suddenly become a totally different dangerous situationFinding how people with disabilities are apt to be involved with any type of callGain more experience with people who use alternative communication methods