Experience of Hearing Police Sirens from a Perspective of a Black Disabled Individual
Neal Carter, a Black disabled man and the Principal of Nu View Consulting, the only Black- and disabled-owned general consulting firm in the country, resides in Rockville, Maryland, with his wife, Loryn. Carter's life has been marked by fear and trauma, particularly when encountering the police.
Carter recalls his childhood fear, triggered by the arrest of his father by the police at a stop sign "too long." This incident, coupled with his unlawful fingerprinting at a police station as part of a community activism badge requirement in his Boy Scouts days, has left a deep imprint on his psyche.
Fast forward to adulthood, Carter expresses fear not just for himself, but for Black people as a whole when they hear police sirens. He associates the short cadence of a siren with hearing "hey, n-word" from a Confederate sympathizer. The modern police force, mostly composed of white men with little training in policing minority communities, has instilled a sense of unease in him.
In one instance, Carter and his friend were driving a brand-new BMW in a park, a move that led to their under investigation. Someone saw them and thought they were driving around with the intent to case the neighborhood for a future robbery. Despite being innocent, they were subjected to investigation.
Carter's disability, marked by his use of Lofstrand canes and a sports-style wheelchair, has not shielded him from police encounters. He recalls being stopped while driving at 1 a.m. in Rock Creek Park. The officer mistook the reflection of his metal canes for rifles, forcing him out of the car.
Carter's experiences are not isolated incidents. There are many stories that suggest "driving while Black" is not considered a crime by the police. He encourages readers to look up these stories to gain a deeper understanding of the issue.
Carter's resilience is evident in his self-care practices. He practices meditation as a means to cope with the immediate mental distress he experiences whenever he hears police sirens due to historical trauma. He also suggests seeking out therapists of colour and Black therapists for help.
Carter advocates for defunding the police and investing in organizations protecting Black lives. He cites recent examples of police violence, such as those involving Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, as reasons for this call to action. He finds it difficult to find a mental health professional who can help him unpack his historical trauma, further emphasizing the need for change.
In the face of adversity, Carter continues to strive for a safer and more equitable society. His story serves as a reminder of the systemic issues that need to be addressed and the resilience required to overcome them.
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