This is a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) elective Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Training for Peace Officers #4204 online training course offered for Texas Peace Officers, Jailers, and Telecommunicators.
This online course is designed to provide peace officers with essential knowledge and skills to effectively identify, engage, and assist individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). IDDs are lifelong conditions caused by severe, chronic mental or physical impairments, often present from birth or diagnosed up until the age of 22. These disabilities significantly impact an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development, affecting multiple areas of their life.
Throughout this course, students will learn about the various forms of IDDs, including autism spectrum disorders and other related conditions, as well as how these disabilities may present in behavior and communication. Officers will be equipped with the knowledge to identify early signs of a behavioral crisis and apply de-escalation techniques tailored to individuals with IDD.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), including their definition, causes, and the range of conditions that fall under this category.
- Recognize the impact of dual diagnoses and how mental health conditions may co-occur with IDDs, influencing behavior.
Identify the signs and characteristics of individuals with IDDs, and differentiate between common behaviors and those indicative of escalating crises.
- Apply best practices for engaging with individuals with IDDs, emphasizing communication strategies and adaptations based on the individual’s specific needs.
Learn proven de-escalation techniques to effectively manage and defuse high-stress situations involving individuals with IDDs.
- Gain awareness of the unique vulnerabilities of individuals with IDDs in the justice system and understand the importance of building trust with the IDD community.
Course Features:
Interactive Modules: Engage in self-paced learning with interactive content, including real-life scenarios, videos, and case studies.
Expert-Led Content: Hear from subject matter experts, including licensed peace officers with experience in Crisis Intervention and mental health professionals who specialize in IDD.
Scenario-Based Training: Participate in simulated interactions that help practice de-escalation and engagement techniques. Students will receive feedback and have the opportunity to reflect on how they can apply these techniques in real-world situations.
Knowledge Checks and Assessments: Regular quizzes and assessments will test students’ understanding of key concepts, ensuring mastery of the material.
Practical Application: Students will apply their learning to case studies that mirror common law enforcement encounters involving individuals with IDDs, promoting critical thinking and the development of practical problem-solving skills.
Prerequisites:
. Must be a licensed peace officer with at least two years of experience.
Assessment:
To successfully complete the course, participants must achieve a minimum score of 70% on the final assessment, which includes written or oral testing, case study analysis, and practical scenario-based evaluations.
Course Delivery:
This course is designed for an online learning format, offering flexibility for officers to complete the course at their own pace. The content is accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms, ensuring that students can engage with the materials wherever they are.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for law enforcement professionals, especially those involved in Crisis Intervention, community policing, or who engage with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities as part of their regular duties. It is also beneficial for those seeking to enhance their communication and de-escalation skills.
Why Take This Course?
Peace officers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with IDDs, officers can improve their response to crises, reduce misunderstandings, and foster safer and more respectful interactions. This course provides the tools and knowledge necessary to create a more inclusive and empathetic law enforcement environment.
Please note, the entire course, final exam(s), and course evaluation(s) must be completed in order to receive sixteen (16) hours of course credit.
TCOLE Reporting
OSS Academy® typically reports 4 to 5 times each week [excluding U.S. Federal holidays]. We report your credit directly through TCLEDDS to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement [TCOLE]. You should have already provided your full and correct name, TCOLE PID number, and other important information when registering for your account. If not, once logged in, go to Edit Profile to update your information.
Should you have any questions, simply contact the OSS Academy® Training Coordinator by phone at 281-288-9190 (Ext. 205) or online at Contact OSS Academy®.
