Illinois. An Illinois children’s group home who could not control its residents called police over 100 times in one year — every 3 days.
Because the home did not have adequate safety procedures in place, the home was using the police improperly to modify behavior. Where is the investigation into the group home for allowing these childrens’ behavior to escalate to a point there the police were being called in every 3 days. The group home somehow missed the fact that it was calling police 2x/week.
Most police department policies indicate that non-compliance, even to verbal orders, allows an officer to utilize an ECD (electronic control device). Police are required to follow police protocol and tasered 3 children. This is not the fault of the police, but the fault of the group home for allowing the behavior to escalate and for relying on police to do their job. If there’s an unusual situation or emergency, by all means call the police. If a group home is calling the police 2x/week or 100 times a year — maybe the fault lies with the center that obviously lacks the ability to meet the needs of these children.
This is what happens when you do not give teachers and direct care workers the tools needed to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.
Tags: police, police taser children, prone restraint, taser, workplace violence