EL PASO POLICE DEPARTMENT • ABOVE & BEYOND
AUTISM & DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS PATCH & COIN
Officer James Tobias, who works out of the Pebble Hills Regional Command, raised awareness for children in the autism spectrum or with down syndrome. The patch and coin was designed with the help of fellow Officer Jorge Candia. The patch, as pictured below, has four colorful pieces of puzzle which represent those on the spectrum living their life with the Department standing guard behind them. The Down Syndrome Patch was also designed by Officer Tobias. The patch features the numbers 3 and 21. The meaning behind these numbers is because down syndrome occurs when there is a third copy of the 21st Chromosome. Officer Tobias was inspired by his son Anakin who has down syndrome and has been diagnosed
as being on the Autism Spectrum. Through Officer Tobias’ research and training provided to the Academy, an estimated 250 law enforcement officers, from recruits to officers and Sheriff’s deputies, have received training on how to more effectively communicate and deal with people in our community living with disabilities.
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