How law enforcement is supporting People of Determination

By Lt. Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi and Prof Stan Gilmour.

As police professionals with complementary perspectives – one currently serving and one who has transitioned to academia and global consultancy – we share a profound commitment to protecting society’s most vulnerable members.

This commitment extends particularly to those who are often overlooked: Individuals with disabilities, referred to in the UAE as “People of Determination”, a term that recognises their resilience, strength and invaluable contributions to our communities.

With approximately 16% of the global population living with at least one disability, and research consistently demonstrating that People of Determination are disproportionately represented as both victims and perpetrators in criminal justice systems worldwide, our collective experiences have reinforced a critical insight: Ensuring their safety and inclusion represents not merely a moral obligation but a professional imperative.

The role of law enforcement in inclusive security

Our combined decades of policing experience have highlighted the structural barriers that People of Determination face when interacting with law enforcement.

From accessibility challenges to communication barriers, traditional policing methodologies often fail to account for their unique needs.

These realisations have shaped our professional journeys. Standard training and procedures have proven inadequate for meaningful engagement with People of Determination.

Police services require enhanced awareness, specialised training and fundamentally, a proactive approach to fostering trust and safety within these communities.

Communication presents a significant challenge. Many disabilities affect speech, cognition or sensory processing, potentially leading to misunderstandings in high-pressure situations.

For instance, People of Determination with cognitive and learning impairments may struggle to comprehend their rights and the nature of accusations against them.

This creates a substantial risk of false confessions, regardless of actual culpability.

When officers lack awareness of these challenges, their responses may inadvertently escalate situations.

Simple adaptations such as employing clear language, maintaining calm tonality, minimising sensory triggers or allowing additional time for communication are essential to ensure just treatment.

Disability-specific training is therefore paramount. Officers must be educated about various disabilities and equipped with practical de-escalation techniques tailored for different needs.

Familiarity with assistive technologies and community partnerships proves invaluable.

Our professional experience has demonstrated the effectiveness of having sign-language interpreters available, implementing mental health crisis-specific de-escalation protocols and providing noise-cancelling headphones for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Such approaches ensure interactions are handled with appropriate sensitivity and efficacy, preventing unnecessary distress while fostering trust between law enforcement and communities.

Building trust: A two-way relationship

One initiative making tangible impact in this field is the Secure Communities Forum (SCF) Working Group on Public Safety and People of Determination.

SCF represents a global initiative dedicated to enhancing community security through collaborative efforts between governments, law enforcement agencies and civil society.

The working group specifically focuses on developing best practices, training programs and policies ensuring inclusive security for People of Determination.

Through SCF, we have engaged with experts, caregivers and individuals with disabilities to better understand their real-world challenges.

Our aim is to create a framework adaptable internationally, ensuring that People of Determination receive appropriate respect and protection regardless of location.

A significant outcome has been the development of training modules for first responders, emphasising real-life scenarios and practical skills that officers can implement immediately.

Supporting People of Determination extends beyond officer training, it requires fostering mutual understanding.

Individuals with disabilities, or their families, often hesitate to seek assistance from authorities due to fear of discrimination based on their impairments and anticipated communication difficulties. This represents a gap we must collectively address.

Community outreach programs play a vital role in this process.

By engaging with stakeholders including disability advocacy groups, faith leaders, educational institutions and families, we create opportunities for direct interaction between officers and People of Determination.

Whether through educational workshops, public safety demonstrations or participation in community events, these engagements help dismantle barriers and build confidence.

Additionally, law enforcement agencies should consider appointing disability liaison officers, personnel specifically trained to advocate for and address the needs of People of Determination within police forces.

Having designated points of contact can significantly improve response times and outcomes in situations involving individuals with disabilities.

Policy and legislative frameworks

While training and awareness are crucial, they must be reinforced by robust policies and legislative frameworks.

Governments should ensure that legal protections for People of Determination are comprehensive and that law enforcement agencies are held accountable for upholding these rights.

In the UAE, leadership has prioritised inclusivity through initiatives like the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination.

This commitment could be mirrored in law enforcement policies, ensuring accessibility in police stations, emergency call centres and judicial proceedings.

Moreover, systematic data collection on incidents involving People of Determination can help identify trends and areas requiring improvement, facilitating evidence-based decision-making.

Conclusion

Supporting People of Determination represents not an act of goodwill but a necessity for a just and secure society.

As law enforcement professionals, whether currently serving or contributing through academia and consultancy, we share responsibility for protecting all citizens, including those requiring additional support.

We urge our colleagues globally to take proactive steps in educating themselves, advocating for inclusive policies and engaging meaningfully with the communities they serve.

By doing so, we not only enhance the safety and wellbeing of People of Determination but also uphold the core values of law enforcement: Integrity, fairness and service.

A society’s strength is measured by how effectively it protects its most vulnerable members.

It is time to ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, feels safe, respected and included in our vision of a secure future.