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By Jim Frazier, Director of Public Policy, The Arc & UCP California Collaboration
On July 25 the SB 882 (Eggman) Advisory Council on improving interactions between people with developmental disabilities and law enforcement met for the second time.
The meeting, hosted by the California Department of Justice, was open to the public, and Councilmembers had the option of attending remotely or in-person. Subject matter expert Teresa Anderson, Executive Director of the California Policy Center on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, presented her suggestions for various experts to include in future meetings, and credible sources for gathering data. Teresa, who has 30+ years experience in working with the disability community, provided valuable insights and was an incredible resource to the advisory council.
Three members from Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), Legislative Liaison Megan Poulos, Bureau Chief Michael Radford and William Baldwin of Mental Health Training Services, shared their recommendations for developing curriculum modules for law enforcement trainings to improve public safety when interacting with individuals with a developmental disabilities. It was noted that there were no training provisions for individuals that are sight or hearing impaired. Staff said it wasn’t a mandate and therefore not included. This finding affirms the usefulness of the council to provide suggestions on how best practices can be improved.
In addition to myself, councilmembers include Rick Braziel, Olwyn Brown, Beth Burt, Lauren Libero, Christina Petteruto, Clifford Phillips, Emada Tingirides, and Astrid Zuniga.
The meeting was live streamed and over 20 people from the public attended virtually and provided helpful comments to guide the council. Look out for more updates when the next SB 882 Advisory Council reconvenes.