The South Fulton Police Department is enhancing their approach to interacting with autistic citizens through specialized training programs. Yesterday, the department's officers participated in sessions aimed at understanding and effectively communicating with individuals on the autism spectrum, as reported by FOX 5. Taught by a former Atlanta Police officer who has a son with autism, the training also touched on recognizing distinctive behaviors often misunderstood by law enforcement.
Corporal Lina Kiene, who attended the workshop, said "Learning what to look for when you’re on a call with someone who has autism…how to speak with them…how not to overstimulate them," during an interview with FOX 5. The training emphasized adjusting officers' responses to reduce sensory overload, such as minimizing exposure to strong lights, loud sounds, or even strong scents like cologne, which can significantly affect individuals with autism.
Officer Devion Harris, with nearly a year on the South Fulton force, believes this training will help bridge the gap between the community and the police. "I definitely think this will humanize us," Harris told WSB Radio. He recognized that the four-hour session, referred to as "Autism Safety 101," is only a starting point and much more needs to be understood about the spectrum.
During these training sessions, officers are exposed to a range of scenarios and sensory experiences that an autistic person may encounter. The instruction also includes explanations of behaviors like "stimming," which may be misinterpreted as suspicious by those unfamiliar with autism. "I think that every agency should do this, it should be required by the agency and I think you’ll have better outcomes when officers show up on scenes," Sgt. Helio Garcia explained to WSB Radio.
As these trainings continue, South Fulton Police hope to reduce negative encounters and enhance the safety of neurodivergent individuals interacting with law enforcement. Based on a 2021 study cited by FOX 5, individuals with developmental disabilities like autism are significantly more likely to interact with the police, making this training crucial for both the police and the communities they serve.
