FOR
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
If you work in law enforcement, chances are you will
encounter a child or adult with autism, or be
involved in searching for an individual who has
wandered. An increase in autism cases (up from 1 in
10,000 in the 80’s to 1 in 110 today) is the likely
reason for more wandering cases and deaths, and
first responders play a critical role in preventing
these deaths.
Deaths associated with wandering are attributed in
large part to drowning. Individuals with autism are
often attracted to water, yet have little to no
sense of danger. Deaths in the past have also been
caused by prolonged exposure.
There are four important tools that can be used to
improve response time and prevent fatalities
including: 1) Having readily available information
about an individual who may wander; 2) Tracking
Technology; 3) Alert Systems, such as AMBER and
Silver Alerts; 4) Training on how to properly
interact with a person who has autism.
INFORMATION ABOUT A
PERSON WITH AUTISM WHO MAY WANDER:
Having detailed information on file about someone
who is prone to wandering can be very effective in
locating them quickly. If your agency does not have
a program in place specific to autism wandering,
consider distributing a
First Responder Alert Form
through your web site or grassroots initiatives.
Alert Forms may also be found in multiple languages
at
http://autismriskmanagement.com.
Having caregivers fill out this information
before their child with autism wanders could
give your agency a head start in properly responding
to an emergency situation.
TRACKING TECHNOLOGY
FOR AGENCIES
There are various resources to help law enforcement
agencies, including tracking technology such as
Project Lifesaver and LoJack SafetyNet
programs. The cost to implement these programs is
extremely low compared to one search and rescue
effort and have remarkable track records in
recovering individuals quickly.
To learn more about these programs, please review
the following links:
ProjectLifesaver.org
LoJackSafetyNet.com
ALERT SYSTEMS
Several years ago, Silver Alerts were established as
a rapid-response communications tool to help locate
missing seniors with cognitive impairments, such as
Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Many states have since adopted the Silver Alert
program and often refer to it as the “AMBER Alerts
for Seniors” with criteria that allows those 18 and
older with a cognitive impairment to be covered.
However, AMBER Alerts in most states are only
designated for abducted children, 17 or
younger.
Therefore, a person with autism who is 18+ may be
covered under an alert system, but a person with
autism who is under 18 may not.
Because there have been numerous cases where a child
with autism was found by a member of the public,
it’s important to review alert guidelines within
your state and, if possible, issue an AMBER Alert
(or the like) when possible.
Many children with autism who appear old enough to
walk alone are often at great risk, especially those
that are nonverbal, cannot ask for help, or are
unable to respond to their name when called.
If your agency receives a call about a missing
person with autism, issuing a public alert can make
an enormous difference in how quickly they are
found. Some points to consider for your agency
include:
-
Issuing an AMBER
Alert for any minor with a known cognitive
impairment like autism. These children are
endangered and have little to no sense of
danger.
-
Issuing a Silver
Alert or the like for any adult with a known
cognitive impairment like autism. These adults
likely function cognitively as a minor, are
endangered and have little to no sense of
danger.
-
Do not impose any
waiting periods on any child or adult with a
known cognitive impairment or disability.
-
Enter the missing
person into the National Crime Information
Center (NCIC) Database.
To learn about Silver Alerts in your state,
click here.
You can also enroll your agency in the
A Child Is Missing
program at no charge. This program will send an
automated call to neighborhoods where a missing
child was last seen.
Take Me Home is a free software program available to
law enforcement agencies from the Pensacola Police
Department. This software allows you to create a
database with information on individuals who may be
at risk of wandering, and to collect information
that may be helpful in the event of a search. To
request your free copy of Take Me Home, contact
Officer Donahoe at
http://www.pensacolapolice.com/details.asp?pid=5551.
TRAINING
Autism presents a unique set of needs. Law
Enforcement training on how to interact with, and
respond to, a person with autism is critical.
Several organizations and individuals offer autism
risk and safety management training for your agency.
To review these options, please visit:
Autism Risk Management
The Autism & Law Enforcement
Education Coalition
The Law Enforcement Awareness
Network
Autism Alliance for Local
Emergency Responder Training
To learn more, please visit our
Frequently Asked Questions
page.
