Warwickshire News Mine

Thanks to support from New Ideas, a project backed by Warwickshire County Council Social Services, the Nuneaton and Bedworth Locality Group met with police officers and visited the all-new Criminal Justice Centre in Nuneaton.

However, their research and findings have prompted some stern comments from the members of the group, many of whom were shocked at the lack of training received in dealing with people with learning disabilities.

Royston Knight was one of the members who disapproved at the service delivered by the new justice centre. He said: “The justice centre did not treat us like adults and were not helpful to us, I was very disappointed.”

Kathryn Moore also had some tough comments for the police, she said: “I’m extremely concerned that the police have no training in how to behave towards people with learning disabilities as some of us need more understanding.”

One member of the group said he had even been stopped by police officers, who accused him of being drunk, when in fact it was his learning disability.

Jill Smith, Empowerment worker for New Ideas, said: “We are extremely grateful at being given the opportunity to both meet with the police and visit the Criminal Justice Centre. However, the visit has certainly highlighted areas where things should be improved.”

Copies of the full report were sent to Nuneaton MP Bill Olner, North Warwickshire MP Mike O’Brien, Prime Minister Tony Blair, senior police officers in Warwickshire, members of Warwickshire County Council and other senior politicians.

The findings have been well received and the group has had support from all areas.

Superintendent Graham Moreton, head of Warwickshire Police Judicial Services congratulated the group on the report. He said: “The report was a pleasure to read and makes some sound conclusions. I was disappointed that the group felt patronised and uncomfortable on their visit and I will be feeding back the comments to my Criminal Justice partners at our Diversity Group.

“We have a network of internal groups working on these issues in an attempt to improve staff awareness and we are totally committed to providing the best possible service for everyone regardless of their gender, race, sexuality, age or disability.

“Our new Student Officer training package covers legislation relevant to people living with a disability, but more importantly it involves a range of community placements and specifically includes assignments working with people with a learning disability.”

New Ideas is a countywide project, which enables adults with learning disabilities to make informed choices and have their concerns heard. It is part of North Warwickshire CVS and is based in Atherstone.

Link to WCC