Dahlia Rappaport
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Christopher Samp
Research Mentor School/College/Department: City of Detroit – Office of Disability Affairs / NonUM
Program: UROP
Session: Session 7 (4:40pm – 5:30pm)
Authors: Dahlia Rappaport, Christopher Samp
Abstract
The Office of Disability Affairs has identified a local need to improve the relationship between law officials and first responders with the Disability community. Injustices in the practice of first responders and police’s interactions with the disability community was identified as a major problem that had remained unsolved in Detroit. The ODA intends to improve this relationship by mending the levels of trust that the disability community has for law enforcement, and by creating and implementing training to increase awareness surrounding unconscious biases and disability interaction for this sector of the workforce. Conducting community based research, the ODA seeks to develop a 3-year strategic plan to train law enforcement officers and emergency responders through policy based practices and required training. An ideal training will prioritize the recognition of implicit biases and increasing awareness for the disabled community. By working alongside community partners such as the DEI office with Detroit Police and Fire, we will see on the ground action to address the grievances currently felt within the disabled community. Ultimately, success will require implementation of a training aimed to enhance relationships targeting root causes of unconscious bias and discrimination. Oftentimes, first responders and law enforcement are unaware that someone is disabled and their actions are reflective of this- it is necessary to train officers to become aware of non visible disabilities and sensitivity training in order to maintain equal respect towards all those they are engaging with on a day to day basis. Restoring the disability communitie’s confidence in their first responders is extremely important and necessary for maintaining both civil and effective conduct for the city’s law enforcement and security measures.
