Detailed training for new police recruits took place May 1st 2024
At the start of 2024, Public Voice held a Severe Complex Autism Learning Difficulties (SCALD) reference group meeting. The group is made up of Haringey residents who are service users or carers, and health and social care professionals.
In attendance were Detective Inspector Alan Smith and Sergeant Dan James from the Wood Green Neighbourhoods team.
The group shared their experiences of how loved ones with learning disabilities had come into contact with the police in the past, explaining both the positive and negative aspects of these experiences. This dialogue highlighted a lack of detailed training with new recruits in this crucial area.
As a direct result of this meeting, Sergeant Dan James connected the group with Haringey and Enfield’s training and development officers, leading to an agreement for SCALD representatives to participate in a training session for new recruits in their twelfth week of training. This took place May 1st, 2024.
The session, led by SCALD Chair Mary Langan, involved the recruits meeting people in the community to learn about complex autism and learning disabilities, understanding the need to give them some space and, as one of our parent carers said, above all else to treat them kindly.
Mary Langan, Chair of SCALD said:‘Police are sometimes called to situations in the community where people with autism and learning difficulties exhibit challenging behaviour – usually because they are being bullied or have become overwhelmed by noise or crowds, or have got lost or disoriented.
It is important that they try to understand complex behavioural responses and develop the skills to intervene in such a way as to calm things down and avoid escalating distress.
If handled sensitively such situations can usually be resolved without resorting to physical restraint which may result in injury’.
Rachel Sanders, Project Officer at Public Voice, said: “We are hoping that this will become part of ongoing training with police recruits in Haringey and Enfield, and that the SCALD group will form part of a rota with other community groups providing training and awareness in the 12th week of the police recruit training”.
Collaborative working like this is vital for gaining valuable perspectives and fostering trust between the police and communities. It highlights the need for enhanced training and understanding within emergency service agencies regarding individuals with learning disabilities, paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive society.