The tragic intersection of law enforcement and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has become a pressing issue, especially in the wake of tragic incidents. One mother, Laura Greene, knows these painful realities all too well after losing her son, Liam, to police intervention.
In February 2014, Liam, a 27-year-old with Down syndrome, attended a screening of a popular film at a local cinema he frequented. After the film ended, Liam was reluctant to leave and chose to remain in his seat, hoping to watch it again. His aide, Sarah, stepped outside for a moment to bring the car around, believing it was best to give him some space. However, when she returned, she found Liam had not purchased another ticket.
Sarah explained to the theater manager that Liam had Down syndrome, emphasizing the need for understanding and patience. Unfortunately, despite this, security was called, and three off-duty officers approached Liam while he was sitting quietly. They demanded that he leave or buy a ticket; when he didn’t comply, they threatened to arrest him.
According to reports, Laura believes Liam couldn’t comprehend the situation due to his condition. “He didn’t understand what was happening,” Laura shared. This misunderstanding escalated quickly; as the deputies attempted to remove Liam, they resorted to physical force. Witnesses reported hearing Liam cry out for his mother, pleading in pain.
The aftermath was devastating: Liam suffered a fractured larynx and, despite the deputies eventually calling for medical help, it was too late. He tragically died from asphyxiation. Laura’s grief has since transformed into a passionate fight for change in police training regarding interactions with individuals with disabilities.
Laura is advocating for a comprehensive reform in how law enforcement is trained to handle situations involving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The current lack of training often leads to tragic outcomes, as officers are not equipped to recognize that noncompliance may stem from an inability to understand rather than defiance.
Experts like Dr. Mark Hastings, a psychologist specializing in developmental disorders, point out that many officers receive minimal training in mental health—often just a few hours—while their training in physical restraint techniques is far more extensive. This imbalance can lead to situations that spiral out of control, as evidenced by Liam’s case.
In response to these challenges, Maryland took a step forward in 2016 by creating the Liam Greene Alliance, aimed at incorporating individuals with disabilities into police training programs. This initiative allows officers to engage in role-playing scenarios with people who have various disabilities, helping them develop the communication skills necessary to de-escalate tense situations.
Laura emphasizes the need for relationship-building and empathy. “If they truly wanted to help Liam, they could have offered him a snack while waiting for me or used their communication skills,” she said. “There’s no magic solution—just understanding and connection.”
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In summary, Laura Greene’s tragic story highlights the critical need for reform in police training regarding individuals with disabilities. Through her advocacy, she hopes to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
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