MUNICIPAL REGISTRIES Many municipal police departments in New Jersey have proactively established their own localized programs to encourage information sharing and productive relationships with their local autism community. One such example is the Robbinsville Township Police Department’s S.A.F.E. Team. Residents provide law enforcement with information necessary to inform an appropriate response. Their approach demonstrates the commitment of a local police department to engaging with their autism community and working to ensure their safety.
COUNTY-WIDE REGISTRIES
In 2016, Monmouth County became the first New Jersey county to launch a registry. With a thoughtful, inclusive, and comprehensive approach, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office’s registry has served as the gold-standard for counties in New Jersey as well as nationally and internationally for subsequent regional registries .
Use of autism-friendly practices has resulted in a reduction in use-of-force incidents and helped create more positive outcomes for law enforcement and the autism community
The Robbinsville Township Police Department has made a strong commitment to improving relations and interactions between our officers and the autistic community. Regarding the efforts to adopt autism-friendly practices like our S.A.F.E. Team, I would think that officers throughout the State will embrace it as a way to do their jobs better and to have a more powerful impact on this community. Use of autism-friendly practices has resulted in a reduction in use-of-force incidents and helped create more positive outcomes for law enforcement and the autism community.
| Robbinsville Township Police Chief Mike Polaski (ret.)
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