New Florida law expands Alzheimer’s and dementia training for law enforcement officers

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – With more than half a million Floridians suffering from cognitive decline, the Alzheimer’s Association welcomes the new law that requires expanded training for law enforcement officers on how to handle situations involving Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

House Bill 801, which goes into effect October 1, aims to prevent tragedies and improve care.

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According to the latest data from the Alzheimer’s Association, there are more than 500,000 people in Florida living with cognitive impairment.

This alarming statistic underscores the importance of the new law. The bill expands Alzheimer’s and dementia training for law enforcement officers statewide, which the Alzheimer’s Association and many families are praising as a key step forward.

The new law is a response to the frequent and often heartbreaking stories of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia wandering away from their homes, leading to frantic searches by their families.

Under the new rules, law enforcement officers will undergo specialist training that will equip them with the tools necessary to handle such situations with care and sensitivity.

Jennifer Braisted, director of government affairs at the Alzheimer’s Association, noted the ongoing concerns families face when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

“You’re always on standby. Always 24/7,” she said, emphasizing the relief House Bill 801 provides by ensuring law enforcement will be better prepared to help in these difficult situations.

The training required by the new law will include learning effective communication strategies for both verbal and nonverbal people, as well as de-escalation techniques to deal with potentially aggressive behavior related to Alzheimer’s. Braisted noted that 6 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point in their lives, making it likely that they will encounter a law enforcement officer during these episodes.

In addition to dealing with loitering incidents, the training will teach officers how to recognize signs that someone they encounter may be a victim of exploitation or abuse.

“They can be very vulnerable,” Braisted explained. “You want to make sure they’re not being abused physically, emotionally or financially. When law enforcement sees those signs, it gives them the ability to make sure they’re not being exploited.”

Tom Hackney, crime and safety analyst for News4JAX, praised the changes in police training, noting that the new law will help officers approach sensitive situations with more awareness and compassion.

“This training will help officers recognise that there may be more going on beneath the surface, which will allow them to interact better,” Hackney said.

The course also includes training on alternatives to physical restraint when dealing with people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, further promoting a safer and more understanding approach to these delicate encounters.