ADVANCING AWARENESS AND COLLABORATION I am incredibly honored to serve as Director of Autism New Jersey’s Law Enforcement Initiative. In 2023, after more than 28 years of service, I retired from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, where among varied roles, I advocated extensively and implemented autism training for in-service law enforcement professionals and for police academy recruits. During my tenure, I was also honored to serve as both Deputy First Assistant and First Assistant Prosecutor within administrations committed to community outreach, increased law enforcement training, and implementation of policies and practices designed to ensure safe and positive interaction between law enforcement and the most vulnerable members of our community. In late 2023, the opportunity arose to lead Autism New Jersey’s Law Enforcement Initiative, one for which I have both passion and a broad vision. My law enforcement experience has provided me with insight into a community that is both willing and dedicated to effecting statewide change. I am so excited to be in a role where I can make positive changes in the two worlds in which I live. This initiative is the perfect opportunity to be a part of raising awareness and implementing important practices. Through this initiative, we are bringing together autistic individuals, families, and the many layers of law enforcement to learn about current needs and efforts, identify key practices, and establish statewide standards. I am proud to serve alongside such proactive and thoughtful law enforcement partners who demonstrate their daily commitment to making our communities safer. I am gratified by the work our initiative has accomplished. Significant work has yet to be done. It is our hope that this publication will serve as a valuable resource for those in law enforcement, and it would not have been possible without the contributions of my colleagues, especially Dr. Joe Novak, Kayla Torres, Jessica Barkosky, and Delmy Serrano.
Change requires awareness and collaboration. Please join us in this mission!
800.4.AUTISM LE@autismnj.org www.autismnj.org/LE
Doreen A. Yanik Law Enforcement Initiative Director Esq.
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