The Metropolitan Police is promoting its Autism Alert Card, to help autistic people better interact with officers across the capital.
There is also an A5-sized booklet version of the card, which goes into more detail about how the officer should communicate with the person, including how to help the person and any relevant information about them.
Tim Nicholls, from the National Autistic Society, said: “It’s vital that police and all staff in the criminal justice system understand autism and that specialist support is available when needed. Autistic people can find communication difficult and can become anxious and overwhelmed, particularly in a stressful situation like an encounter with the police.
“These cards mean police officers will know if someone is autistic and be able to adapt their communication and actions to ensure they treat autistic people fairly, appropriately and with respect.”
On the cards: the Met’s scheme is in conjunction with City and British Transport Police
In addition to assisting autistic people engaging with officers, who could be struggling in an unexpected or emotional situation, the card can also assist officers in explaining why someone may be having difficulty communicating with them.
The scheme is the result of a collaboration between the Met, City of London Police and British Transport Police. It has been developed following extensive consultations with autistic people and their parents, the National Autistic Society, Autism Partnership Boards and other partner agencies and is supported by the National Police Autism Association.
Commander Simon Messinger, the Met’s lead for neuro-diversity, said: “An interaction with the police may make autistic people feel anxious, they may need more time to process and understand what is happening or have difficulty in communicating.
“The Autism Alert Card is a fantastic way for autistic people to let police know that they may need extra support and to help explain their feelings and reactions. The visual tools on the passport can also help them to describe and communicate their feelings, with added written information that can guide officers as to what specific accommodations the autistic person may benefit from.”
Both versions of the alert cards will be made available to autistic people through autistic partnership boards and local police across the capital. You can find more information here.
Members of the public can apply for them through the email address: autism@met.police.uk.
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