JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With over half a million Floridians experiencing cognitive decline, the Alzheimer’s Association is applauding a new law that mandates expanded training for law enforcement officers on how to handle situations involving Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
House Bill 801, which goes into effect on Oct. 1, aims to prevent tragedies and improve care.
Recommended Videos
RELATED: Over 30 new Florida laws are set to take effect on Oct. 1. Here’s a look at each one
Florida is home to more than 500,000 residents living with cognitive decline, according to the latest data from the Alzheimer’s Association.
This alarming statistic underscores the significance of the new law. The bill expands Alzheimer’s and dementia training for law enforcement officers across the state, a move that the Alzheimer’s Association and many families are hailing as a crucial step forward.
The new law comes in response to the frequent and often heartbreaking stories of individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia wandering away from their homes, leading to frantic searches by their families.
Under the new legislation, law enforcement officers will receive specialized training designed to equip them with the tools needed to handle such situations with care and sensitivity.
Jennifer Braisted, Director of Government Affairs for the Alzheimer’s Association, highlighted the constant worry that families face when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
“You’re always on alert. It’s always 24/7,” she said, emphasizing the relief that House Bill 801 provides by ensuring that law enforcement will be better prepared to assist in these challenging situations.
The training mandated by the new law will include learning effective communication strategies for both verbal and nonverbal individuals, as well as de-escalation techniques to manage potentially aggressive behavior associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Braisted noted that 6 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point in their lives, making it likely that they will encounter a law enforcement officer during these episodes.
In addition to managing wandering incidents, the training will also teach officers how to recognize signs that the individual they encounter may be a victim of exploitation or abuse.
“They can be very vulnerable,” Braisted explained. “You want to make sure that they are not receiving physical, emotional, or financial abuse. When law enforcement has the ability to see those signs, it gives them the opportunity to ensure that no one is taking advantage of them.”
News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney praised the ongoing evolution of police training, noting that this new law will help officers approach delicate situations with a more informed and compassionate mindset.
“This training will give officers the ability to recognize that more may be going on beneath the surface, allowing them to interact in a better way,” Hackney said.
The course also includes training on alternatives to physical restraint when dealing with individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, further promoting a safer and more understanding approach to these sensitive encounters.