Police department is prepared for aiding those with autism

Hamtramck’s police officers will now carry a special needs bag for dealing with those who have autism.

By Alan Madlane
The Hamtramck Police Department has a new program to help the department engage, in a positive manner, with persons on the autism spectrum that they may encounter in the course of their duties.
We went to the source on this one, and sent some questions about the program to Police Chief Anne Moise to explain it.

The Review: How did the idea for the autism bags get started?
Chief Moise: Hamtramck Police employees received training on Autism Awareness, so I was aware of the need for calming and distraction techniques that could assist officers, and provide calming relief for the person in need of assistance.
I received information from the Michigan State Police about a program they were involved in, using autism sensory items to assist their officers when dealing with a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I did some research on items such as fidget spinners and pop-its, and how these items could help.

Review: Has any other department in the Detroit, or Southeast Michigan, area(s) been successfully using them, that you’ve heard about?
Moise: This is something a lot of agencies are starting to implement, and I believe we will begin hearing success stories from various agencies as they are put into use.

Review: What exactly is contained in the bags?
Moise: Each bag is bright yellow, with different smiley emojis designs on them.
They contain a cardboard model of a “make-your-own” police car, a coloring book, a fidget spinner, a sensory distraction toy (such as a pop-it or a squishy toy) and a light-up device (similar to a small bike light, or lighted bracelet).
There is also a picture card for non-verbal cues (such as “I am cold, I am tired, I am hungry,” etc.)

Review: What kind of additional training is needed to use the bags?
Moise: No additional training is required to use the bags, however we will continue to work on Autism Awareness training for all Hamtramck Police employees.

Review: Once officers are comfortable with their proper use, how will the bags theoretically be employed in the field?
Moise: The bags are safely stored in the back of the patrol cars. If the officers encounter someone in need of assistance that could benefit from one of these bags, they will be given out to the person.

Review: How has the public responded to the idea so far?
Moise: The response on social media was overwhelmingly popular.

Review: Feel free to add anything else about the bags, or any other related topic.
Moise: I will continue to make sure our Hamtramck Police employees are trained in all aspects of their jobs.
I think these bags will be helpful to use in the field to help calm a person in need of assistance.
Posted May 21, 2021