Thanks, Ray.

Kay Mixson Jenkins posted a comment to the blog. To read it, and to post
their own comments, listers can go to http://parkinsense.blogspot.com .

Kathleen

2008/10/3 rayilynlee <[log in to unmask]>

> Parkinson's and the Police
>
> Periodically, stories surface about Parkinson's symptoms arousing the
> suspicions of police, leading to harassment and humiliation for someone
> whose sole offense is being unable to be still or walk a straight line.
>
> Such an incident occurred recently in Ashland, OH, where Bob Kendall went
> out for a late night walk. Officers stopped him, believing he was
> intoxicated, and then took issue with his constant moving. The episode ended
> with Mr. Kendall on the ground and handcuffed. He was released only when
> another officer recognized him and explained that he has Parkinson's.
>
> People with Parkinson's (and everyone else) deserve to be treated with
> understanding and respect. Realistically, though, there will always be
> ignorant people and bullies in the world, and some of them will wear badges.
> So, what to do?
>
> A Google search led me to Flex Your Rights, a not-for-profit whose mission
> is "teaching people to understand, appreciate, and assert their
> constitutional rights during police encounters." I asked Associate Director
> Scott Morgan if he had any advice for those of us whose movement disorders
> make us noticeable and vulnerable to police. He wrote:
>
> There's nothing worse than being hassled due to a medical condition. I
> would hope that informing police of one's condition would usually diffuse
> most situations.
>
> The gentleman was walking around late at night, which is fine, but may have
> contributed to the perception that he was intoxicated. Folks that are out
> and about after dark should be mindful of the potential for
> misunderstandings and be prepared to explain their situation if necessary in
> as calm a manner as possible.
>
> It's easy to become frustrated with officers, but it doesn't help, even
> when it's totally justified. Police approach you with the assumption that
> you're a troublemaker and, unfortunately, it's up to the suspect to
> demonstrate otherwise.
>
> If anyone is treated disrespectfully, I would recommend filing a complaint
> and publicizing any mistreatment that occurs. These types of incidents may
> help to educate police about dealing professionally with Parkinson's
> sufferers.
>
> Given Scott's advice and Bob Kendall's experience, I plan to make up a
> Parkinson's ID-a simple card that states my name, says I have Parkinson's,
> and lists my contact person, physician, meds, and allergies. (I've found
> vistaprint.com to be a good source for cards.)
>
> I'll keep a card or two in my wallet with my license and stash some by the
> driver's seat in my car. Then I can just hand an officer a card without
> speaking, a good thing because a) I might be too nervous to speak, and b)
> the less said the better, as you will see if you spend some time at Flex
> Your Rights. Check out their Street Stop Scenarios, as well as their video,
> which I found to be eye-opening. The examples in the video are mainly geared
> for young people, but the principles apply to all. Everyone should spend
> some time with these resources. Pass them on.
>
> If I do have the misfortune to be mistreated by police, I'll turn to the
> internet to get the letters, calls, and e-mails flowing. Bob Kendall did,
> and police, city officials, and the local paper were flooded with letters
> and emails protesting his treatment. He performed a valuable public service
> and got a bit of his own back, too.
>
> photo from dwightsghost on flickr.com
> Posted by Kathleen at 3:00 PM 1 comments   Links to this post
> Labels: civil rights, Parkinson's
>
> Rayilyn Brown
> Director AZNPF
> Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation
> [log in to unmask]
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-- 
Kathleen Cochran
Educational Consultant
www.kathleencochran.com
914-478-4047
914-715-3545 (mobile)

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