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- Connections Behavior Planning and Intervention welcomes Dr. Maria Gilmour
, BCBA-D, for an online webinar on strategies for interacting with Immigration Enforcement.
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Abstract:
This presentation explores advanced applications of applied behavior analysis to law
enforcement encounters where traditional awareness training proves insufficient. Through
systematic analysis of officer-civilian interactions – including traffic stops, mental health crises,
and encounters involving neurodevelopmental disabilities – attendees will examine how specific
behavioral topographies function as critical antecedents to cooperation or escalation. Drawing
from behavioral data collected through department training programs, ride-along observations,
and forensic case analysis, this session demonstrates how vocal tone, body positioning, gaze
patterns, and verbal precision operate as establishing operations that shape encounter
outcomes. Participants will learn to conduct functional assessments of police encounters using
behavioral frameworks that identify discrete, modifiable officer behaviors linked to de-escalation
success. This evidence-based approach provides a replicable methodology for analyzing the
antecedent-behavior-consequence chains that occur in the moments before cooperation
emerges or situations deteriorate, offering practical applications for training development, expert
witness testimony, and consultation with high-acuity populations who frequently interface with
law enforcement.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Maria Gilmour is the Chief Executive Officer of Wynne Solutions, a specialized behavioral health company serving Oregon and Washington. With over 25 years of experience in crisis stabilization and intensive behavioral support, she has developed expertise in supporting individuals with autism and complex behavioral needs during high-stress situations.
Dr. Gilmour has provided autism awareness and de-escalation training to law enforcement departments across multiple states. Her practical, real-world approach helps officers recognize communication differences, understand behavioral responses unique to autism, and implement strategies that lead to safer, more effective interactions during emergencies and enforcement situations.
In her clinical practice, Dr. Gilmour specializes in crisis intervention for high-acuity cases. Her mission is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the autism community, creating safer outcomes for everyone involved through education, practical tools, and collaborative problem-solving.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will analyze specific behavioral topographies in police encounters to identify discrete
officer behaviors (vocal tone, body positioning, eye contact duration) that function as
establishing operations for either cooperation or escalation, using systematic functional
assessment applicable across neurodevelopmental, mental health, and high-stress
scenarios. - Participants will apply evidence-based behavioral intervention strategies to modify officer behavior
in real-time encounters by implementing a five-phase de-escalation protocol validated
through department training programs, resulting in measurable improvements in
cooperation rates and reduced use-of-force incidents. - Participants will evaluate encounter outcomes using behavioral data to provide actionable feedback
to departments through systematic analysis of body camera footage, ride-along
observations, and incident reports, establishing measurable benchmarks for skill
acquisition and generalization across contexts.
CEU’s included, and Cost to Attend:
- 2 Learning BACB CEU’s
$39.99 (CEU’s included in price)- $36.00 – Early Registration Discount
For questions, challenges with registration, or any other needed information, please contact Dusty, Director of Continuing Education and ACE Coordinator for CBPI, LLC, at continuingeducation@connections-behavior.com.
Connections Behavior Planning & Intervention, LLC, is a BACB-Approved ACE Provider (Provider # OP-17-2781). The BACB does not directly sponsor or endorse this event, its speakers, or its content.
