Excluding Autistic PC from Firearms Training Ruled Discriminatory

Preventing an autistic police officer from undergoing firearms training was an act of discrimination, a tribunal has ruled. PC Lauren Crawford, an officer with Cumbria Police and an international karate player for England, was denied the opportunity due to concerns her neurodiverse condition might pose challenges in high-pressure scenarios, despite strong endorsements from her supervisors and experienced firearms officers.

The tribunal found the decision by Deputy Chief Constable Mark Webster of Cumbria Police to be "puzzling" and noted "overwhelming evidence" that PC Crawford was fully capable of completing the firearms course. As a result, she successfully sued the Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary for disability discrimination, failure to make reasonable adjustments, and disability harassment. She was awarded £21,000 in compensation along with an undisclosed sum for loss of earnings.

The hearing in Manchester revealed that PC Crawford began her policing career in 2015 as a special constable while pursuing a policing degree. Diagnosed with autism and dyslexia during her studies, she disclosed her conditions to her supervisor and underwent an occupational health assessment to identify potential adjustments. After graduating, she became a full-time police officer and performed her duties successfully.

In June 2019, she applied to become an authorised firearms officer (AFO), passing the confidential screening, fitness test, and a one-day suitability course. However, her application was paused following an occupational health screening. A force medical adviser stated that her neurodiverse conditions should not disqualify her from the role, but the decision rested on "the risk the organisation is prepared to accept."

Inspector Paul Telford, an experienced firearms officer, prepared a detailed report for Mr. Webster, incorporating input from a clinical psychologist and PC Crawford's supervisors. Despite this, Mr. Webster rejected her application in September 2020, citing her difficulties with "understanding verbal and non-verbal language, making sense of other people's emotions, feelings, and behaviours" — traits outlined in her autism assessment. Mr. Webster claimed he was unaware of her disability, a statement the tribunal judge, Katherine Ross, described as "disingenuous."

The tribunal found that the delay of more than a year in reaching a decision constituted disability-related harassment. Judge Ross also highlighted the lack of direct engagement with PC Crawford prior to the decision, describing the delay and reasoning as "puzzling."

PC Crawford has since been accepted onto the firearms training course, marking a significant victory for disability rights within law enforcement.

PM Law