CW: Police Brutality & Death
In Florida, a new state law has some disabled people worried. Law enforcement agencies however say that the database will be a useful tool for them.
The Protect Our Loved Ones Act, which took effect on Monday, allows local law enforcement agencies in Florida to create a database for people with disabilities. If their local law enforcement agency creates a registry, an individual, or a loved one if they are unable to, can enter their information.
This includes, but is not limited to, those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism. The registry will include information about an individual’s condition as well as contact information.
Data shows that disabled people are often misunderstood or killed by law enforcement officials. According to a Ruderman Family Foundation report, approximately half of those killed by police had a disability. Officers are routinely sent into situations when urgent care would be better suited to lethal action.
Ethan Saylor was killed by police in 2013. The 26-year-old had forgotten to pay for a second movie showing. Saylor who had Down syndrome didn’t understand what was happening. Witnesses heard the click of handcuffs. Saylor was upset and wanted his mother, crying, “Mommy”! He also said that he was hurt. His cause of death was later determined to be homicide due to asphyxia, according to the medical examiner.
Everyone should have access to the criminal justice system. Disabled people must be treated with dignity and respect while dealing with the police or other members of the criminal justice system. However, without proper training, the use of the “Special Persons Registry” could lead to more tragedies.
Alfarone, Debra. “Finally, Justice for Ethan, Man with Down Syndrome Who Died at Hands of Movie Theater Security.” WUSA, Tegna Inc., 14 May 2018, https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/finally-justice-for-ethan-man-with-down-syndrome-who-died-at-hands-of-movie-theater-security/65-551770226.
Tutten , James. “Video: New Florida Law Aims to Improve Relationship between Law Enforcement, People with Disabilities.” WFTV, Cox Media Group And WRDQ, 1 Jan. 2024, http://www.wftv.com/news/video-new-florida-law-aims-improve-relationship-between-law-enforcement-people-with-disabilities/6ed472b6-6f13-466b-ba50-c63ee1578661/.
Vargas, Theresa. “Perspective | the Unnecessary Death of Ethan Saylor and What Has Changed in 10 Years.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 7 Jan. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/01/06/ethan-saylor-decade-legacy/.
Walsh, John. “Mentally Ill Often a Target, but Chicago Police Might Have a Solution.” International Business Times, IBT Media, 18 Jan. 2017, https://www.ibtimes.com/police-killings-race-2016-mentally-ill-often-target-chicago-police-might-have-2476586.