BALTIMORE, MD – In the high-stakes world of law enforcement, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, an innovative program in Baltimore is rewriting the script for how police interact with individuals with intellectual, developmental, and invisible disabilities. Born from a moment of profound insight during a routine traffic stop, "Badges and Bridges" is fostering understanding, reducing tragic outcomes, and building vital trust within communities often marginalized and misunderstood.
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The initiative, spearheaded by Maryland Department of Transportation Police Sergeant Kevin Moody and Baltimore advocate Mack Dawson, seeks to dismantle barriers of miscommunication and fear by bringing law enforcement officers and individuals with disabilities together in a proactive, educational setting, long before a crisis erupts. This proactive approach is proving to be a critical intervention in a landscape where encounters between police and disabled individuals too often escalate with devastating consequences.
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The Unseen Battle: A Sergeant’s Revelation
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The genesis of Badges and Bridges can be traced back to a tense traffic stop that took an unexpected and potentially perilous turn. Sgt. Kevin Moody, a seasoned officer with the Maryland Department of Transportation Police Department, found himself confronting a man who steadfastly refused to remove his hands from his pockets. For any officer, this scenario immediately triggers a heightened sense of alert. Hands hidden from view are a universal signal of potential danger, a place where a weapon could be concealed, and officers are rigorously trained to respond with extreme caution to protect themselves and the public.
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However, in that critical moment, Sgt. Moody’s training intersected with a nascent understanding, prompting him to consider another possibility beyond immediate threat. He recognized that the man’s seemingly defiant behavior might be a manifestation of a disability, a response shaped by internal processes rather than overt hostility. The man’s agitated declaration, “He was saying things like, ‘Y’all just going to have to kill me today,’” resonated with a desperate plea rather than a direct threat. When Moody insisted, “We have to see your hands,” the man’s response was equally cryptic yet revealing: “Man, you just got to let me stim.”
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Moody openly admits his initial unfamiliarity with the term. “I’d heard people say that 1,000 times prior to a year ago, and I never really knew what it meant.” This candid admission underscores a pervasive knowledge gap within law enforcement. "Stimming," or self-stimulatory behavior, is a common coping mechanism for individuals with certain neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism, to manage sensory input, anxiety, or overwhelming stress. Forcing a person to stop stimming can exacerbate their distress, making an already tense situation far worse.
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Armed with this newfound, albeit still developing, awareness, Sgt. Moody chose an unconventional, yet ultimately effective, path. Instead of escalating the confrontation by physically forcing the man’s hands from his pockets, he opted for a compassionate and pragmatic solution. He performed a thorough pat-down while allowing the man to keep his hands where they were, respecting his need for this self-regulatory behavior. The result was transformative: the rest of the interaction proceeded peacefully, de-escalating what could have easily spiraled into a violent encounter. For Moody, this incident became a powerful, real-world example of how a different interpretation of behavior, informed by an understanding of disability, can lead to profoundly safer and more humane outcomes.
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The Deadly Stakes: A Call for Urgency
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Sgt. Moody’s successful de-escalation stands in stark contrast to a series of tragic incidents that have underscored the deadly stakes at this complex intersection of policing, mental health, and disability. Maryland, like many states, has witnessed fatalities that highlight the urgent need for enhanced training and empathy.
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In March, Howard County Police shot and killed 25-year-old Alexander LaMorie, a man with autism from Columbia. The circumstances surrounding his death sent shockwaves through the disability community, raising questions about crisis response protocols for neurodiverse individuals. Just two months later, Baltimore Police officers responded to a mental-health-related call in Southwest Baltimore, which tragically ended with the shooting death of 46-year-old Louis Jackson. Police reports indicated Jackson was armed and threatening suicide, and allegedly fired at officers upon their arrival on South Caton Avenue. Despite an officer’s attempt to create distance and issue verbal commands, Jackson reportedly continued firing, leading officers to return fire, resulting in his death. Then, in June 2025, Baltimore Police were involved in another fatal incident, shooting and killing 70-year-old Pytorcarcha Brooks during a severe mental health crisis.
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While the specifics of each case vary significantly – some involving direct threats, others involving communication breakdowns – they collectively paint a grim picture. These incidents illustrate the difficult and often perilous intersection where a person experiencing a profound crisis, potentially exacerbated by an underlying disability or mental illness, encounters law enforcement officers who are simultaneously confronting behavior that may, from their perspective, present a genuine and immediate threat. The challenge lies in equipping officers with the tools to discern the difference, to de-escalate, and to protect both themselves and vulnerable individuals without resorting to lethal force.
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A Data-Driven Imperative: Disproportionate Encounters
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The anecdotal evidence from Baltimore is tragically mirrored in national statistics, which consistently demonstrate that people with disabilities are disproportionately represented in police use-of-force encounters. This is not merely a localized problem; it is a systemic issue demanding a comprehensive response.
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A seminal study conducted by Disability Rights Ohio brought this stark reality into sharp focus, revealing alarming figures: between 30% and 50% of individuals subjected to police force have disabilities. Even more disturbing, the study found that 33% to 50% of people killed by police also have disabilities. These figures are not just statistics; they represent lives lost, families shattered, and a profound crisis of trust between law enforcement and the disability community.
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The reasons behind this disparity are multifaceted and complex. They often include communication barriers, where officers may misinterpret non-normative behaviors as resistance, aggression, or non-compliance. Individuals with cognitive disabilities may struggle to process commands quickly, understand complex instructions, or articulate their needs. Sensory sensitivities, common in autism, can lead to overwhelming distress in chaotic environments, further escalating tension. Furthermore, a lack of awareness regarding invisible disabilities – conditions like autism, ADHD, or PTSD that aren’t immediately apparent – means officers may not recognize that they are dealing with someone who processes the world differently. Without specialized training, these encounters can quickly devolve from routine stops into critical incidents.
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Badges and Bridges: A Two-Way Street to Understanding
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Recognizing this critical gap, Mack Dawson and Sgt. Kevin Moody embarked on a mission to reduce the risk of these dangerous encounters. Their collaboration, Badges and Bridges, is more than just a training program; it’s a philosophical shift in how communities and law enforcement can interact. Their bond, forged over a decade ago while playing on the semi-professional Arbutus Big Red football team, provides a unique foundation for their joint endeavor, rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.
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The program’s reach has been extensive, bringing together participants ranging from age 7 to adulthood with law enforcement and first responders from Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and other agencies. One of its most impactful iterations took place during a recent National Night Out, a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.
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Dawson and Moody organized a special Badges and Bridges event hosted by Preparing Youth for Tomorrow, Inc. (PYT) on City Ranch. PYT, an organization founded by Moody, initially focused on mentoring youth in financial literacy. However, its mission has since broadened to encompass connecting youth and adult community members with law enforcement through mentorship and leadership opportunities, aligning perfectly with the ethos of Badges and Bridges.
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The setting at City Ranch offered a uniquely therapeutic and non-threatening environment. Here, police officers and community members with disabilities engaged in activities alongside horses – animals known for their calming presence and ability to mirror human emotions. This shared experience helped to dismantle initial apprehensions, creating an "equal playing ground" where open dialogue could flourish. Participants spoke candidly about the struggles faced by police officers and the unique challenges encountered by disability communities, fostering a sense of shared humanity and vulnerability.
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The genius of Badges and Bridges lies in its fundamental design: it is a truly reciprocal exchange. Police officers gain invaluable insights into how people with intellectual, developmental, and invisible disabilities may process information, communicate, and respond to stressful situations. They learn to identify stimming behaviors, recognize signs of sensory overload, and adapt their communication styles. Simultaneously, residents with disabilities and their families learn why officers are trained to react cautiously to certain movements and behaviors, understanding the inherent dangers and split-second decisions inherent in law enforcement.
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Sgt. Moody emphasizes the critical nature of this training for invisible disabilities. “There might be situations that officers are faced with where they are dealing with somebody with an invisible disability, but they don’t have the training or they’re not aware of what they should be able to do,” he explains. This lack of awareness can lead to tragic misunderstandings. Moody recounts a chilling incident from New York in 2024 where a man shot two police officers from his pocket during an arrest attempt. This stark reminder underscores the constant threat officers face, which shapes their training. “We’re trained to be able to go back home to our families,” Moody states, encapsulating the core protective instinct that drives police protocols. “That’s why they teach us that stuff.”
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Mack Dawson, a professional massage therapist who openly identifies as having a “neurodifference,” brings a crucial perspective from the disability community. He argues that the training must holistically account for the intense psychological and emotional toll on both sides during a high-stress encounter. “We don’t have enough first responders (learning) how to take care of these dynamic issues,” Dawson asserts, highlighting the need for more nuanced, trauma-informed approaches.
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Moody further elaborates on the cumulative stress officers carry. “I could be going to this from seeing deceased babies, you know what I mean?” he poses, illustrating the profound emotional burden officers shoulder from one crisis to the next. “And when I get there, that is your emergency at the moment, and you’re thinking that I’m not super sensitive to that, but you don’t even know where I just came from.” This acknowledgement of the human element in policing is vital, reminding both sides that officers are also individuals reacting under pressure, often carrying unseen emotional weight.
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Fostering Empathy: Understanding an Officer’s Perspective
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For Mack Dawson, championing an understanding of an officer’s perspective is not a concession to the dangers faced by people with disabilities during police encounters; rather, it is an essential component of making those encounters safer for everyone. This philosophy forms the bedrock of Badges and Bridges, distinguishing it from traditional, often one-sided, disability-awareness training.
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The program’s unique selling proposition is its commitment to mutual empathy. Officers learn to interpret behaviors that might otherwise appear threatening through the lens of disability, recognizing that a person’s communication style, body language, or reactions may be profoundly shaped by their condition. Concurrently, participants with disabilities, their families, and caregivers learn about the realities of police work, including officer safety protocols, the stress of the job, and why officers are trained to react in certain ways to perceived threats. This dual education aims to demystify both sides, fostering a context of understanding rather than judgment.
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Dawson succinctly captures this ethos: “I know to not just ask a bunch of people who already kind of agree with me to come in a room and tell them ‘Hey, this is how you should interact with people.’” Instead, the program cultivates a deeper, more personal connection. “It’s more so ‘I can see you’re hurt. We’re hurt too. Let’s try to figure this out and make sure that we both get that.’” This poignant statement encapsulates the program’s ultimate goal: to move beyond blame and towards collaborative solutions that prioritize safety, dignity, and understanding for all.
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Implications: A Blueprint for National Change
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The success of Badges and Bridges in Baltimore carries profound implications, not just for the local community but as a potential blueprint for national change. The program addresses a systemic vulnerability in policing that has long gone unaddressed, often with tragic consequences. By proactively fostering dialogue and education, Badges and Bridges is demonstrating that empathy and understanding can be taught, and that these qualities are as vital to officer safety and effective policing as tactical training.
The model developed by Dawson and Moody offers a path forward for law enforcement agencies across the country grappling with how to better serve and protect individuals with disabilities. It advocates for comprehensive, ongoing training that moves beyond basic awareness to deep, experiential learning. This includes:
- Expanded Curriculum: Integrating detailed modules on various disabilities, including neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health conditions, and sensory processing differences.
- De-escalation Specialization: Developing specific de-escalation techniques tailored for individuals in crisis due to disability, focusing on calm communication, patience, and recognizing non-verbal cues.
- Community Integration: Mandating regular, interactive sessions with disability advocates and individuals with lived experience, similar to the Badges and Bridges model.
- Resource Allocation: Ensuring that officers have immediate access to mental health professionals or crisis intervention teams specially trained to respond to calls involving individuals with disabilities.
- Policy Review: Re-evaluating existing use-of-force policies to ensure they adequately account for the unique challenges presented by encounters with disabled individuals.
Beyond specific training, Badges and Bridges contributes to a broader societal shift towards greater inclusivity and understanding. It challenges preconceived notions and biases on both sides, transforming potentially adversarial relationships into collaborative partnerships. When communities and law enforcement work together, sharing perspectives and building trust, the entire fabric of society becomes stronger and safer.
The long-term vision is a future where encounters like Sgt. Moody’s traffic stop are not rare exceptions but the norm. A future where a police officer’s immediate response to unusual behavior is not solely threat assessment, but also compassionate inquiry. A future where individuals with disabilities can interact with law enforcement without fear, confident that their unique needs will be understood and respected. The work of Badges and Bridges is a testament to the power of human connection, demonstrating that even in the most challenging and high-stress situations, empathy can indeed bridge the widest divides, ensuring that everyone has the chance to go home safely.
© 2026 The Baltimore Sun
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