Practice Police Interactions with The Arc

Years of data tell us that people with disabilities are more likely to encounter law enforcement than typically developing peers, and more likely to struggle to navigate that interaction. We’re here to help you get ready for any police interactions so you feel safer and readier, and to give officers a chance to learn directly from people with disabilities and their families.

Our Stomping Ground’s partner, The Arc of Northern Virginia has collaborated with the Arlington County Police to offer a great opportunity for people with disabilities and their loved ones to practice emergency situations.

For this event, participants can engage in a practice police stop with real officers. They will be pulled over (or can just park and get into the car) in a parking lot at Kenmore Middle School. Officers will approach the car and run a practice stop. You can also have an officer in the car with you to help you navigate the stop. The person with a disability can be the driver (licensed or unlicensed and getting ready to drive), or a passenger or bystander. You can practice more than one way if you’d like.

You are also welcome to exit the vehicle and talk with officers, ask questions, and get to know them.

Anyone and everyone are welcome regardless of age or disability status. This is a learning opportunity for the officers, too. Thank you for taking part in making our community better for all.

? Learn more and sign up here.

NOTE: This event is being hosted by The Arc of Northern Virginia. However, because Our Stomping Ground feels strongly about the importance of this topic, we’re organizing a group of OSG members to attend together. If you’d like to join us, click the link above.