The number of hours for training required by law enforcement on working with people with disabilities is clearly insufficient.  Too often, these civilians become victims of the law enforcement’s inability to properly assess a potentially dangerous situation. This very serious problem is the result of superficial training on how to recognize people with disabilities, meant only to provide awareness.  Awareness is not enough.

The main goal of the foundation’s intensive training curriculum, taught by people with disabilities themselves, is to keep people alive. By helping law enforcement better understand how to interact with diverse civilians in potentially dangerous situations, the foundation aims to make using a deadly weapon the “100th option.”

All law enforcement officers deserve respect for their role in protecting civilians. The Daniel K. Harris Foundation will ensure that officers continue to protect all civilians, including those with disabilities.