Every day, Tucson police officers encounter individuals with special needs—including those with autism, intellectual disabilities, and communication challenges. Unfortunately, without specialized training and protocols, these encounters can quickly escalate, putting vulnerable community members and officers at risk.

Why This Matters:

According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), meaning many families in Tucson are directly affected by how law enforcement handles special needs cases.

Studies show that individuals with developmental disabilities are up to 4 times more likely to be involved in police encounters that result in the use of force, often due to misunderstandings or communication barriers.

In Tucson, there have been several troubling incidents where individuals with mental health or developmental challenges faced aggressive police responses, sometimes resulting in injury or trauma. For example:

In January 2020, Tucson resident Pat Grenier, who had a history of mental illness, was arrested and suffered serious injuries during his detention in Pima County Jail. Body camera footage showed officers restraining him in ways that escalated his condition, leading to a $4 million settlement for his family.

The Mental Health Support Team (MHST) in Tucson has made progress in co-response efforts. However, coverage is limited and does not consistently include specialists explicitly trained for developmental disabilities.

We Demand:

Mandatory, comprehensive training on autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and communication strategies for all Tucson Police officers.

Specialized co-responder teams that include disability and mental health experts to assist officers during calls involving special needs individuals.

Clear protocols and guidelines that prioritize de-escalation, respect, and safety during all interactions with people who have developmental or cognitive disabilities.

Partnerships with local advocacy groups, such as the Autism Society of Southern Arizona and Disability Rights Arizona, are established to ensure training and policies reflect lived experiences and best practices.

Transparency and accountability through public reporting on use-of-force incidents involving individuals with special needs.

The Cost of Inaction:

Failing to train officers and develop specialized response teams properly leads to avoidable trauma, costly lawsuits, and loss of community trust. Investing in better training and co-responder programs not only saves lives but can reduce long-term costs related to incarceration, medical care, and litigation.

 

Sign this petition to help Tucson police better protect and serve all members of our community—especially our most vulnerable.