Illuminating the experiences of autistic people during arrest and custody

Previous research indicates that individuals with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) have not only higher rates of interaction with the criminal justice system but are also more likely to experience these interactions negatively. Focusing on police officer and custody staff and practitioner knowledge about autistic individuals’ interactions during arrest and custody and police service infrastructures, processes and practices, this research project explores a range of reasons why these negative experiences may have occurred. Drawing on the key findings of the study, we go on to recommend the adjustments required to proactively accommodate the needs and vulnerabilities of people with ASC and to enable police officers and custody staff to work to the best of their abilities through suitably structured and resourced provision. Drawing from qualitative interviews with police officers and custody staff from two large police forces in England and Wales and practitioners in roles supporting autistic people, this report brings together the experiences, viewpoints and perspectives of key agencies and actors with a stake in the issue. It concentrates on three key areas: First, existing support structures and practices in police custody, including ability to respond adequately to autistic people’s needs, as well as factors that might negatively impact on this - including institutional limitations such as time pressures, the design of custody suites and gaps in knowledge around autism among police officers and custody staff. Second, we focus on the dynamics of non-disclosure of detainee’s autism diagnosis, and non-detection of autistic traits by police officers and custody staff, both of which can engender negative consequences for autistic individuals, including a lack of support in custody contexts. Third, the report identifies best practices in current provision and areas of potential progression in future, including those related to support structures, environmental factors, custody design and the provision of autism awareness training. The aim of this report is to assist decision makers in addressing challenges in an area of targeted need, via the presentation of evidence drawn from a study specifically tailored to access the perspectives of actors and agencies with the experience and knowledge to facilitate positive change