Phoenix Police Incident Raises Concerns Over Treatment of Disabled Individuals
Phoenix, Arizona – A graphic video showing two police officers beating and using a Taser on a deaf man with cerebral palsy has sparked national outrage and renewed discussions about the treatment of disabled individuals by law enforcement. The man, Tyron McAlpin, 34, did not respond to the officers’ commands, leading to a tense encounter that many disability and civil rights advocates are calling unjust.
Details of the Incident
The troubling incident occurred in August when officers were called to a Circle K store related to an earlier alleged assault. Upon arriving, they spoke to a white man who accused McAlpin of assaulting him. The officers, identified as Benjamin Harris and Kyle Sue, drove up to McAlpin, who was walking nearby, and attempted to arrest him without fully assessing the situation. In the unsettling video from the body cameras, McAlpin can be seen walking across a parking lot, seemingly engrossed in a conversation on his phone when the officers shouted commands at him. Without realizing what was happening, he was suddenly approached and a struggle ensued.
Despite McAlpin not hearing the commands due to his hearing impairment, the officers forcibly brought him to the ground, repeatedly punching him and using a Taser multiple times while demanding he comply. At one point during the altercation, McAlpin was also accused of biting one of the officers.
Charges Dropped
Initially facing charges of two counts of aggravated assault and resisting arrest, the Maricopa County Attorney announced on Thursday that the charges against McAlpin have been dismissed. This decision followed a review of the case prompted by concerns from community leaders, including the local NAACP chapter.
Voices of Concern
Community advocates and Disability rights groups have expressed outrage regarding the situation. Nikki Soukup, public policy director for the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, noted that incidents like McAlpin’s are all too common. She stressed the crucial need for police officers to recognize and effectively communicate with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, citing past cases where misunderstandings have led to violence.
Calls for Police Training
As the situation continues to unfold, many advocates are calling for improved police training to deal with disabled individuals. They emphasize the need for officers to understand communication methods, particularly when engaging with someone who is deaf. “Having knowledge of even basic ASL [American Sign Language] to ask if the person is Deaf or hears is an essential skill,” Soukup said.
The Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing has provided training materials aimed at equipping law enforcement with the necessary tools to communicate effectively with disabled individuals. However, reports indicate that these materials are not being fully utilized.
A Pattern of Violence
McAlpin’s experience is not isolated. The issue of police violence against disabled individuals, particularly those who are Black or belong to minority communities, has been a persistent concern across the United States. According to various reports, past incidents highlight the need for comprehensive reforms and sensitivity training within police departments.
Conclusion
The Phoenix Police Department confirmed that the incident is under investigation and assures that they are reviewing officer conduct. Meanwhile, the community continues to rally around McAlpin, advocating for better training for law enforcement and more awareness of the challenges faced by disabled individuals.
As discussions continue, the hope is that Changemakers and law enforcement personnel take these lessons to heart, paving the way for safer and fairer treatment for all, particularly for those who are often marginalized due to their disabilities.
