Interacting With Law Enforcement

• Police Safety for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PDF, TAP of Illinois)
  • ASD Disclosure Card (PDF)
• What to do during a traffic Stop (PDF, Pathfinders for Autism)
• Justice Resource Collection (ASERT)
• Questions to Ask if an Individual with Autism is Missing (ASERT)

General Tips On Police Safety

• Presentation on Police Safety by TAP at the University of Illinois (Recording Above)
• Autism Disability Disclosure Card for Law Enforcement

Key Terms

• Law – a rule that everyone has to follow
• Safe – staying out of harm’s way, not in danger
• Danger – something that could cause a person to get hurt, a threatening or risky situation
• Police – law enforcement officer that protect people and help in emergencies
• Crime – breaking the law, you can be fined or arrested as a punishment

What Do Police Do?

• Watch out for the community, keep the peace, respond in emergencies
• Give tickets when someone breaks a law
• Solve crimes
• Arrest someone for serious crimes

When You See Police In Person…

• You may see police officers in patrol cars, on foot, or on motorcycles
• Give directions on what to do
• They can use words, gestures, or signals to let people know what to do

What Do Police Wear?

• Officers wear uniforms:
  • Badge
  • Handcuffs
  • Duty Belt
  • Gun

Who Else May Be With Police?

• Officers may be accompanied by dogs (K-9)
  • Look for lost/missing person
  • Search for drugs, guns, cell phones
  • Help catch people who run from police
  • Police tool = We can look, but we keep hands to ourselves

Tips for Interacting with Police

DO:

1. Stay calm
2. Stay where you are
3. Just do it

DON’T:

1. Don’t run
2. Don’t fight
3. Don’t argue

• Show your hands
• Keep your hands to yourself
• No hugging
• Keep your distance from the officer
• Ask for help if you don’t understand or don’t know
• Disclose your diagnosis*
• You can stay silent until a caregiver or advocate is with you
• You can ask for an attorney or lawyer: “I want a lawyer.”

Tips for Interacting with Police: Caregivers

• Allow the individual to be addressed
• Be clear you are there to help
• Offer up triggers and passions
• The truth is necessary
• Practice, practice, practice
• Visit your local precinct

Revised: 12/22/2024: 20:45