Mocking incident erodes public trust

Re Cops ‘truly sorry’ for mocking woman with Down syndrome, Nov. 29 As an individual with a disability who was also the caregiver to persons with disabilities, I too have been mocked and condescended to by public servants, officials and police.

Unfortunately, this still occurs in our society. Without a camera to record what happened, it is unlikely the victim would have been given any credibility.

The two officers should have to donate a significant amount of money to a charity that advocates for and helps persons with disabilities, be suspended without pay for several months and do volunteer work for disabled persons.

They could help with house work, yard work, maintenance, shopping, housing issues, mobility issues and transportation, as well as accessing and navigating the labyrinth of frustrating, distressing and confusing government bureaucracy. And, yes, even advocacy.

Every day is a challenge for many individuals grappling with disabilities. These two officers should have been making life easier for people with disabilities, not more difficult and hurtful. Do they have any understanding of what pain they have inflicted?

Empathy for others can’t be forced nor taught. It comes from within as genuine character, not an acquired skill through one hour of sensitivity training. Actions speak louder than words. The fact they did not apologize in person is an insult.

It is upsetting and disturbing to know that police like this exist and it creates fear in vulnerable persons who rely on police for protection and assistance. Having read this account, combined with my own experiences, I am unnerved.

Police and others in authority should not instill fear and distrust but should elicit trust and helpfulness. Shelby Shepherd, Toronto