Research indicates that persons with developmental disabilities are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement professionals than others. Police and first response professionals will meet and engage with special needs individuals of all ages in field situations.

 

Be First 2 Respond is Crisis Intervention Training for law enforcement, fire rescue, public safety, emergency medical response teams, hospital ERs, 911 dispatchers, social services, and criminal justice agency personnel.

 

The rising populations of children with special needs are coming of age.

Observation or perception of “odd” behaviors prompt concern, anxiety or panic in the general public and thus life threatening incidents may arise for the lack of public understanding and inability to discriminate between criminal activity and odd behavior. The engagement of first responders in such situations can escalate and increase the likelihood of possible emotional or physical trauma to individual with special needs and the community at large.

 

Be First 2 Respond seminar teaches the skills necessary for first responders to recognize and engage professionally when incidents occur without further escalating the situation or endangering lives.