Police must be trained in autism and learning disabilities to better protect the vulnerable.
That’s the view of bereaved mum Paula McGowan.
Oliver McGowan, whose death has prompted his parents to fight for learning disability and autism training in the NHS and police
Teacher McGowan, 53, from Bristol, has launched a petition calling for mandatory training in autism and learning disability for the police.
The initiative is the latest campaigning move by McGowan and husband Tom.
They started campaigning after the death in hospital of their 18-year-old son, Oliver.
Oliver, who had a mild learning disability, epilepsy and autism, died after suffering an allergic reaction to antipsychotic medication.
Restrained while having seizure
Before his death at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital, McGowan says police officers restrained him while he was having a seizure.
With training, the officers would have known not to use restraint and to take a “hands-off approach”, McGowan said.
She said: “Body language that doesn’t intimidate can make all the difference. Learning how to modify language can have positive outcomes.”
The NHS has already opened a consultation on autism and learning disability training for its staff after campaigning by the McGowans.
Police restraint on way to hospital
Another patient who suffered police restraint was Paula Rawnsley’s son Thomas. Police restrained him four times on the way to hospital. Thomas, who had Down’s syndrome, died in hospital in 2015.
Carer Rawnsley, 49, from Bradford, said autism and learning disability training for the police is important to avoid future “stress and psychological problems”.
A spokesperson for the College of Policing said officers should record all details of restraints and be aware of any symptoms indicating a need for medical attention.
Police Federation supports campaign
John Apter chairs the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers.
He said he fully supports the campaign, as specialised training would better equip frontline officers to serve the public.
Click here to visit the petition’s web page.
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Published: 1 March 2019
