Americans with Disabilites Act
Information for Law Enforcement
How do you interview a witness who is deaf? How do you assist a person who is having a seizure? How do you transport a suspect who uses a wheelchair? Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people who have disabilities are entitled to the same services law enforcement provides to anyone else. They may not be excluded or segregated from services, be denied services, or otherwise be treated differently than other people. The following compliance assistance materials will help state and local law enforcement officers understand how to interact with victims, witnesses, suspects, and others who have disabilities.
PUBLICATIONS
Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: ADA Guide for Law Enforcement Officers - This 8-panel pocket guide provides basic information for officers about communicating effectively with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Model Policy for Law Enforcement on Communicating with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing - This 4-page document serves as a model for law enforcement agencies when adopting a policy on effective communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Agencies are encouraged to download and adapt the policy to suit their needs.
Model Policy (PDF) | Model Policy (HTML)
Commonly Asked Questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act and Law Enforcement - This 12-page fact sheet answers frequent questions about the ADA and its effect on law enforcement services involving people with disabilities.
Commonly Asked Questions (PDF) | Commonly Asked Questions (HTML)
Questions and Answers: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Hiring Police Officers - This 5-page fact sheet answers frequent questions about the ADA and its impact on law enforcement officers with disabilities.
Questions and Answers (PDF) | Questions and Answers (HTML)
Additional ADA information for state and local government agencies including law enforcement
ADA Regulations | Other Publications
December 1, 2008