Harassment and disability

[TompoL]

Hi all,

I have condition called cervical dystonia. It is an illness that is related to Parkinsons and causes involuntary movement of the neck and shoulder including tremors. In my case, my right shoulder is permanently around my right ear and I have extreme pain with some mild tremors.

In the past two months, I have been passed fit to drive, but have subsequently been stopped by the police 9 times. I don't drive a lot so this accounts for a 100% record in terms of police vehicles I have noticed on the roads and they have stopped me.

In each occassion, the latest being yesterday and despite explaining my condition, I have been put in the back of a car and asked to explain the reason why I looked "suspicious" as I past them or they past me. Most have said they have never heard of cervial dystonia. I now reply "I thought you were a police officer not a doctor." I am getting totally fed up with it. I have also being stopped and questioned by police while walking on the street because I looked "suspicious". Recently I was stopped by a store detective in a supermarket.

I have absolutely no criminal record let alone been involved with the police since the onset of the illness.

Is there anything I can do to stop this? My two young kids now start crying everytime they see a police car (whether it's myself or wife driving), I'm totally paranoid about going out. I've thought about complaining but would that make me a "target"? Any thoughts welcome.

Best Wishes

[Bobbisox]

isn't there a card or something you could perhaps carry tom, like a heart patient would?
I feel for you, I hope you get it sorted
Bobbi x

[Jules001]

I can't think of a way to stop police and security guards stopping you, but you could maybe get a letter from your GP explaining the condition so if and when you are stopped you have something to show them. I know you should not need to do this, but it might help smooth things along quicker with the letter. I hope someone else can give you more helpful advice.

[Barmaid]

You could try writing to the Chief Constable and ask him if it is possible to post something on the PNC to state that you have this condition (particularly if you back it up with medical evidence).

Either way, ask him to treat it as a complaint and explain you are considering taking further action under the DDA.

[cazzz1975]

I would get some sort of identification letter from your gp, that explains your condition, sadly your condition is not highlighted enough so people would be able to recognise it. definatly agree with barmaids advice.