Howard Beach, NY: Cops learn about autism

Aug 25, 2023, The Forum, Howard Beach, NY: Teaching City Cops how to Interact with Autistic Students http://theforumnewsgroup.com/2023/08/25/teaching-city-cops-how-to-interact-with-autistic-students/

Mayor Eric Adams, City Department of Education Chancellor David Banks, and City Police Commissioner Edward Caban on Thursday announced a new partnership between the DOE and the Police Academy aimed at working with young people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Experts from the DOE’s Special Education Office led an in-person training session at the Police Academy on behaviors and responses of students with autism and other developmental disabilities and to educate NYPD recruits on responsible and compassionate ways to communicate with all young people.

This partnership signifies the first time the DOE has been invited to directly participate in the training of NYPD recruits. Experts from the DOE will visit the Police Academy in College Point on a regular cadence going forward, hosting trainings for each class of recruits, starting with the current training class.

“The protection of our students will always be a top priority for this administration, which is why we continue to invest in both upstream and downstream steps to keep our youngest New Yorkers safe,” said Adams. …

During the training session, participants not only develop an understanding of autism and communication-based disabilities but learn strategies to support students with autism and other developmental disabilities during crises, responding effectively and increasing the use of thoughtful communication tools. …