Neurodiversity: Navigating the Criminal Justice System at the Intersect of Policing and Health

Policing and Vulnerability Doctoral and ECR Webinar Series

People with a neurodiversity or neurodisability are overly represented in policing interactions. Yet knowledge to support meaningful and positive impacts on criminal justice systems to support people with a neurodiversity/disability are spars. In this webinar we explored this emerging area of research. We considered the interrelated and unmet health and social care needs of people with neurodiversities/neurodisabilities with a focus on those coming to the attention of the police. We were interested in how to effectively identify and navigate justice settings and what the key intervention points should be.

Inga Heyman is an Associate Professor (Policing and Public Health), Edinburgh Napier University. She discussed the challenges and opportunities of researching at the intersect of policing and public health. Using a case study to guide the discussion, Inga will focus on researching with people who come to police attention with comorbidities. 

Natasha Spassiani is an Associate Professor (Intellectual Disabilities and Health Equity),Edinburgh Napier University. Natalie Kernaghan McCaughey is a self-advocate(Ambassador), get2gether. They provided insight on the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals in accessing police services and how to engage in inclusive research that is person centred.