THE GOAL OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RETARDED CITIZENS (NARC) IN DEVELOPING THIS PROGRAM IS TO MAKE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES RECOGNIZE THAT RETARDED CITIZENS NEED ASSISTANCE. IT IS HOPED THAT THE 2-HOUR INSTRUCTION SESSION IS PROPOSED AS MANDATORY TRAINING FOR POLICE OFFICERS IN EVERY STATE. PROCEDURES RECOMMENDED FOR THE ACTIVIST REPRESENTATIVE INCLUDE CONTACTING LOCAL POLICE AGENCIES TO DETERMINE WHETHER THEY HAVE SUCH TRAINING PROGRAMS AND CONVINCING THEM OF THE VALUE OF THIS COURSE. ACCORDING TO NARC, THE BEST TRAINERS ARE ARTICULATE PARENTS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT NARC AND WELL INFORMED ABOUT RETARDATION. GRADUALLY, THIS EDUCATION SHOULD REACH BEYOND THE MUNICIPAL POLICE TO ALL THE PROFESSIONS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, JUSTICE, AND LEGISLATION. TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE LECTURE ARE GIVEN, USEFUL HANDOUTS SUGGESTED, AND THE SUPPORTIVE ROLE OF NARC ASSURED. THE INSTRUCTION MATERIAL INCLUDES A SESSION ON BASIC INFORMATION FOR IDENTIFYING AND WORKING WITH THE RETARDED AND A BREAK PERIOD SO THAT POLICE CAN MINGLE WITH RETARDED CITIZENS. THE PRIMARY GOAL OF THE SESSION IS TO AVOID MISARRESTS AND COMPLICATIONS WHICH OFTEN OCCUR IN POLICE CONTACTS WITH RETARDED PERSONS. DEFINITIONS OF RETARDATION ARE REVIEWED, CAUSES CITED, AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RETARDED PERSONS IDENTIFIED. KINDNESS AND PATIENCE ARE STRESSED AS PARAMOUNT IN DEALING WITH THE RETARDED. THE COURSE OUTLINE AND A QUESTIONNAIRE ASSESSING THE PRECOURSE LEVEL OF INFORMATION ARE INCLUDED. RESOURCE MATERIALS ARE LISTED.