Responding to Crime Victims with Disabilities: The Perspective of Law Enforcement

Abstract

This focus group study identified methods and techniques to improve the criminal justice system's response to crime victims with disabilities. Twenty-five city and county law enforcement officers from two northwestern settings participated in focus groups. A police officer co-facilitated the groups. Results indicate increased vulnerability of people with disabilities and explain barriers law enforcement faces in its service to crime victims with disabilities. Researchers, the disability community, and law enforcement need to work together to develop and implement efficient, effective, and realistic methods to improve the response of the criminal justice system to the victimization of people with disabilities.