Alex Mann, center, visits the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office to talk about dealing with individuals with autism.
MAYS LANDING – The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Tuesday, Oct. 3 hosted a visit from autism awareness advocate Alex Mann, 23, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, who has autism and shares his perspective on how law enforcement can better interact with individuals with autism.
Mann has visited agencies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and California to speak about law enforcement’s obligations to individuals with special needs. The visit was the 425th stop on his campaign.
ACPO provided Mann with an exclusive tour of the agency and SWAT vehicles.
“It was a privilege for our agency to meet Alex and hear his perspective on behalf of the special needs community,” Prosecutor William Reynolds said. “In order to advance public safety for all, we need to embrace diverse voices such as his.”
Reynolds said he knows that residents on the autism spectrum face difficulties in the criminal justice system and required specialized attention.
As part of its Criminal Justice Advocacy program, ACPO personnel regularly attend programs hosted by The Arc of Atlantic County. The county has implemented a Special Needs Registry to provide crucial information to first responders and law enforcement officers about individuals who have special needs, mental health issues, or developmental disabilities before and during interactions. Having advanced information about individuals reduces the risk of harm to the individual.
Additionally, ACPO has partnered with local school districts and police departments to increase awareness and provide learning resources for law enforcement on intellectual and developmental disabilities. The schools provide students with lessons that focus on maintaining positive interactions and an open line of communication with law enforcement, and the schools offer students with curricula that enhances positive communication, anti-bullying, mindfulness and self-regulation.
County law enforcement agencies are participating in the “Blue Envelope” program, which provides officers with an envelope containing information that the motorist has autism to prevent unnecessary conflict.
“An informed, aware and empathetic law enforcement agency is more effective in its mission of advancing public safety for all,” Reynolds said. “We are improving every day and providing other county departments with the opportunity to do the same.”
For more information on the Special Needs Registry, visit: www.acsnr.org.
