NCJ Number
174180
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 46 Issue: 9 Dated: September 1998 Pages: 111-114
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines ways disabled police officers can continue to serve their departments.
Abstract
As improved medical techniques increase individuals' chances of survival after a severe illness or injury, and the Americans with Disabilities Act provides opportunities for those whose handicaps would, in the past, have limited their participation in law enforcement, departments are faced with the challenge of using disabled officers to the best of their changed abilities. Disabled officers agree that decisions must be made on a case-to-case basis; not all disabled officers can, should, or wish to resume police responsibilities. Police departments vary widely in their provisions for disabled officers. The New York Police Department provides generous benefits and support, and helps find meaningful jobs for those officers who want them. Other departments, however, are not so accommodating, and bypass disabled officers even for civilian non-sworn jobs in their organizations. The article gives names and addresses of agencies and support groups that can help officers facing career-ending injuries and can also provide training and guidelines to departments.