Policies
- SAPD publishes all of their policies and procedures online.
- SAPD’s Procedure 611 – Mentally Ill Persons: This manual outlines how officers should respond to persons experiencing a mental-health crisis. It emphasises patience, calm communication, de-escalation, and the use of trained Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers.
- SAPD’s Procedure 612 – Deaf or Hearing-Impaired Persons: It sets guidelines for officers interacting with people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, ensuring communication access and accommodations.
- SAPD’s Differential Police Response (Procedure 402): Establishes alternative methods for non-emergency/non-criminal calls, which may help when a person with IDD is involved in something that’s not a standard criminal issue.
- SAPD and the Bexar County Sherriff’s Office have mental health units and protocols that promote a more cautious approach to crisis calls.
Training & Programs
- SAPD officers are receiving training in how to interact with people on the autism spectrum, and how to recognise and adapt to disability-related behaviours. For example: local media reported officers learned to interact with people who have autism. KSAT
- The Department maintains a list of contact numbers for their Mental Health Unit which families or advocates may request.
What This Means for Families
- If your loved one is interacting with police, you can ask whether a CIT-trained officer is available to respond.
- You can request the officer or dispatcher note that the person has a disability (or special communication needs) so appropriate approach is used.
- Having documentation like a wallet card may help.
To explore more information, local contacts, and supports for individuals with disabilities, visit sacrd.org/IDD.
