ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 I extend my thanks to Sheriff Stephen M. Oelrich and the law enforcement officer

participants from the Alachua County Sheriff s department. Without these individuals

this research would not have been possible.

 I am very fortunate to have conducted my doctoral studies at the University of

Florida. I am grateful to the members of my committee, Drs. Linda Shaw, Mary Ellen

Young, David Miller, Michael Scicchitano, and Steven Pruett, each of who have provided

valuable direction, criticism and support along my journey. I am forever indebted to

Michael Scicchittano who opened a door and made it possible to survey law enforcement

officers, thereby enhancing the quality and relevance of this study. I am also grateful to

Mary Ellen Young who ultimately recruited me to the rehabilitation science doctoral

program. Her work on abuse of women with disabilities established an important

foundation for research on crime against people with disabilities in the United States. I

owe many thanks to Steven Pruett whose friendship and mentoring was always available

during some of my darkest hours. His knowledge of attitudes and philosophy have been

most useful in developing my thoughts on the topic of hate crimes against people with

disabilities.

 I am particularly indebted to Dr. Linda Shaw, my advisor, mentor and colleague.

Her guidance, support, and example have functioned to keep me motivated and grounded

during this research project. Her patience, generosity, passion, and work ethic have made

her an ideal supervisor. I am looking forward to future collaborations.