Sightless Equality: Disabled Individuals Falsely Identified as Non-Cooperative Suspects
In Lake City, Florida, a viral video of the arrest of James Hodges, a visually impaired Navy veteran, has sparked a conversation about police training and the recognition of invisible disabilities.
On a day in January, Sheriff Mark Hunter, who later lost his 2024 reelection bid, ordered the deputies to apprehend Hodges. The deputies handcuffed Hodges, searched his pockets, and retrieved his identification.
Hodges, who was on his way home from jury duty, was initially suspected of carrying a gun in his back pocket. However, upon verification, the object turned out to be a red and white collapsible cane that Hodges pulled out to show the deputy.
Despite his visual impairment, Hodges refused to provide his ID, stating that it did not matter, and asked if there was a crime. According to the U.S. Supreme Court, citizens are not required to identify themselves to police unless they're being detained for reasonable suspicion of a crime.
Sheriff Hunter, aware of the incident, issued a statement and announced suspensions for the deputies and the sergeant's demotion. The sheriff's actions were a step towards addressing the issue and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
Georgia, where Hodges resides, has no training requirement for police officers to recognise invisible disabilities. In contrast, states like Alabama require all police officers and deputies to receive disability training every two years. The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind conducts training for officers, including blurred or blacked-out glasses and sessions with blind and deaf instructors.
The Blind, Deaf, and hard-of-hearing communities have developed strategies for dealing with police who may not immediately see their disabilities. For instance, Hodges had used a tactic of asking for a supervisor during the incident.
Texas enacted the Samuel Allen Law in 2019, allowing anyone diagnosed with a communication challenge the option for disclosure when registering their vehicle with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Oregon includes instruction for all officers at the state's police academy about dealing with individuals with disabilities.
Hodges spent 26 hours in jail after the arrest. The incident has brought attention to the need for improved police training and recognition of invisible disabilities, and has served as a catalyst for change in Florida and beyond.
As the police force continues to evolve, it is crucial that they receive the necessary training to ensure the safety and respect of all citizens, regardless of their physical abilities. The incident in Lake City, Florida, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of such training and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.
