NCJ Number
202303
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 51 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2003 Pages: 70-73
Date Published
September 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the successful efforts of the Largo Police Department (LPD) (Florida) in recruiting, hiring, and training for civilian positions "people with abilities," the term used by persons with various disabilities to remind others and themselves that they have the talents and capabilities to perform a wide range of job tasks.
Abstract
Chief Lester Aradi and the LPD initially decided to focus on recruiting "people with abilities" for civilian positions in the department because of their general job pattern of being highly motivated to perform at a high level and to remain with a job for the long-term, thus justifying the expenditures of time and money required to hire and train persons to fill vacant positions. LPD's recruiting efforts have included setting up booths at job fairs attended by people with abilities, as well as placing ads in newspapers that mention the department's focus on people with abilities. Specific jobs mentioned in this article are front lobby positions and dispatching. In order to recruit and hire persons with abilities, a department must first ensure that the department complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act by installing accessibility ramps, accessible washrooms, and special parking availability. Specific modifications undertaken by the LPD were adjustments in the automatic security door-opener switch to allow for the proper positioning of a wheelchair, as well as the altering of the timing on the elevator door and enlargement of the work area to accommodate a wheel chair. For the LPD, persons with abilities have proven to be productive and long-term employees.