Seatbelt Covers and Magnets/Decals on Car
Monmouth County
Autism seatbelt covers and car magnets/decals are simple, yet effective tools designed to inform law enforcement and all first responders of the presence of an autistic motor vehicle occupant. The car magnet or decal alerts police officers pre-face-to-face engagement that this motor vehicle stop may require a different approach. The seatbelt covers clearly instruct officers that an occupant may be non-verbal, may resist, and may not be able to comply with instructions. These tools have the potential for life-saving interactions in the event of a traditional motor vehicle stop, a motor vehicle accident, or an incapacitated driver scenario. Municipal police departments such as Livingston and Gloucester Township have taken the lead in employing autism seatbelt covers and serve as a model for larger county- or statewide adoption. Many county and municipal law enforcement agencies make car decals freely available to autistic individuals and families in a variety of designs.
Our department is always seeking new ways to enhance safety for both our residents and officers. I was developing a new autism-friendly program based on ideas I received through my membership on the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, when a friend,
whose child has severe autism, shared a photo. Her son, who attends school in Massachusetts, was wearing a seatbelt cover provided by the local Sheriff’s Department which was meant to alert first responders to an occupant with autism. Inspired by this, I ordered plain black seat belt covers online and then had them customized at a local embroidery shop with our autism awareness patch and messaging. The families who have received our seat belt covers are very thankful for this additional safety measure for their loved ones.
| Officer Joy Klapal, Livingston Police Department Autism New Jersey LEAC Member
Our Autism Awareness seat belt covers are one of many programs we do here at Gloucester Township Police to help bring awareness to developmental disabilities, especially to help when interacting with Law Enforcement. We actively participate and encourage our residents to sign up for the Special Needs Registry which, when combined with things like the seatbelt covers and the vehicle stickers, are important ways we try to improve any interaction with a person with special needs. I am very proud of the proactive approach the Gloucester Township Police Department is taking while still always looking for new ways to improve.
| Lieutenant Paul. P. Fisher, Gloucester Township Police Department
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