As advancements and transformations arise in the law enforcement sector, it is essential to encompass new demographics and communities, such as individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PwP). An estimated 1 million cases of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are anticipated in the United States by 2030. PD is recognized as the fastest-expanding neurological condition globally. The World Health Organization states that “globally, disability from PD is swiftly on the rise,” which could lead to increased interactions between law enforcement and PwP internationally. This article primarily addresses the United States but has the potential for global application.

As the incidence increases, so does the demand for education and PD awareness among academy trainees and field officers. The chances of law enforcement encounters with PwP rise as more individuals receive a PD diagnosis. Therefore, it is crucial to have awareness when engaging with a PwP in their vehicle, at home, or during any routine activities. Implementing new policies centered on training and PD awareness can assist policymakers, health program managers and planners, healthcare providers, researchers, caregivers, and other relevant parties in understanding how to effectively interact with PwP and those supporting them in encounters with police.

The benefits would extend to PwP, the law enforcement sector, and all communities. It will reduce national scrutiny of potential incidents through media coverage of possible violations of civil rights; it will enhance PD awareness across the nation and improve society’s overall understanding by incorporating PD into basic training for all police academies in the United States, alongside providing in-service training for sworn law enforcement officials and administrators. PD can impact anyone, and its effects resonate through families, neighbors, and entire communities. The more informed we are, the better we can work towards a cure and effectively support trainees, officers, and PwP in fostering the essential professionalism and positive outcomes needed in any situation or interaction.

There is no downside to raising awareness and focus on PD within the law enforcement community. The investment is truly minimal. Even incorporating the term PD, outlining symptoms, and explaining PD in all training materials for police academies, as well as including the term and definition in training manuals for sworn officers and Standard Operating Procedures, would significantly influence how officers handle encounters with PwP. Should it be necessary, enacting legislation in every state to integrate PD information into all police department training and documentation would tremendously enhance police-PwP relations. This effort must be a national initiative.

**The signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease**

Around one in every 336 individuals is living with PD. This figure has climbed over past decades and is expected to keep increasing. With one new diagnosis every six minutes, and approximately 90,000 new cases in the U.S. each year, the statistics are alarming.

PD stands out as the fastest-growing neurological disorder globally. Given these figures, the likelihood of law enforcement encounters with individuals diagnosed with PD is significant. That is why it is critical for officers to receive appropriate training and preparation. Every situation varies and can escalate from a minor incident to a significant crisis quickly if officers are not aware of the signs and symptoms associated with PwP.

**Where is police training for Parkinson’s**

In the course of researching for this article, I reached out to police academies across all 50 states in the United States: Alabama, California, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York City, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Some did not respond, while others provided insightful feedback about the limited awareness of PwP. I inquired about how they include or reference PD in their training programs for new recruits, police cadets, or sworn officers’ in-service training.

**Law enforcement officers’ experiences with people with Parkinson’s**

I sought to understand police officers’ interactions with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While reaching out to numerous city police departments, county sheriff offices, and federal agencies, some did not reply, but others readily admitted their lack of understanding regarding PD and the need for improvement. After explaining the goal of this article, some expressed that this initiative would yield pioneering research on this vital issue. They allowed me to conduct a questionnaire and engage with police officers who volunteered to share their experiences with PD.

From the 25 respondents, positions included detective, K-9 officer, SWAT member, lieutenant, commander, sergeant, and patrol officer. Most possessed over 10 years of law enforcement experience, with several nearing retirement after more than 15 years of service. Nearly all, 23, were unaware of PD and thought they had never encountered a PwP but acknowledged that they might not recognize it even if it happened briefly. Two had knowledge of Parkinson’s disease through family or friends but not through their responsibilities as officers. One officer stated