BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. — In a significant initiative aimed at enhancing community relations, the Baltimore County Police Department has equipped its newest recruits with specialized tools designed to assist in interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum. This effort was highlighted during the swearing-in ceremony of the 177th recruit class on Wednesday morning.
Each new officer received a backpack filled with essential items to help them communicate effectively and compassionately with people with autism. Police Chief Robert McCullough emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it is crucial for officers to serve all members of the community with professionalism and understanding.
Research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that nearly half of individuals with autism will have encounters with law enforcement at some point in their lives. To address this, the Husman Institute for Autism contributed various resources for the backpacks, including tip sheets, sentence starters, communication boards, and sensory items.
Beth Benevides, Director of Outreach at the Husman Institute, explained the necessity of these tools. She noted that understanding is vital, especially in stressful situations where individuals with autism may be misunderstood. The aim is to equip officers with resources that can help de-escalate potentially tense encounters.
One example shared by Benevides involved a police response to a distressed man with autism who had become separated from his caregiver. Officers provided him with a backpack, allowing him to select materials that calmed him during a challenging moment.
Benevides urged the new recruits to take their time when dealing with individuals in crisis, reinforcing the idea that these toolkits serve as reminders of the human element in every interaction.
The Baltimore County Police Department plans to maintain its partnership with the Husman Institute for Autism, ensuring ongoing support for officers as they engage with the autism community.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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