How Super Heroes Should Interact with Police?
What if I need to put my hands in my pocket?
Always ask first! Police officers always need to see your hands and watch your hands. If you need to get a fidget toy or calming object from your pocket, always ask. Never put your hands in your pocket when you see police coming towards you. Tell the police you are feeling scared and nervous and ask if you can get your calming object. It is always helpful at this point to tell the police if you have a medical diagnosis.
If I'm scared, I might run away!
If you run, police think you did something wrong or you are hiding something. Stay put and talk with the officer the best you can. If you wear an ID bracelet or carry some other form of ID, this would be a good time to show them.
I sometimes have trouble with personal space.
Many with Autism struggle to judge the appropriate speaking distance in all communication settings. When speaking to police, be sure to keep longer than arms distance away. If you get too close, you might scare the officer. If you don't know, back up or ask.
What if I want to touch the police officer?
Always ask, first. If you touch an officer without permission, they might think you are trying to grab their gun, badge or tools from their utility belt. If police think you might hurt them, they may consider restraint or handcuffs to keep themselves safe. The first police officer rule is officer safety. Handshakes and high fives are appropriate, but ask first.
But I want to pet their K-9!
Police officers come in many shapes and sizes, even 4 legs and furry! Police dogs are actually police officers. So if they are in uniform, they are off limits to petting, snuggles and treats. If they are in uniform, observe from afar.
What if I don't understand?
This is the perfect time to tell officers that you have a medical diagnosis. Whether it be Autism, Down Syndrome, Anxiety or Learning Disorders, tell police up front. Asking them to speak slowly and calmly is appropriate and ok. Once you disclose your diagnosis, you can relax and officers will understand if you're not looking at them. If your medical ID card is in your wallet, please ask to get your wallet before reaching into your pocket.
But what if I think I'm in trouble?
Always try your best to be honest and answer all questions truthfully. If you just make up an answer to feel like you followed the direction, police may get suspicious that you are making up stories to cover something else up.
Information provided is a compilation from MCPD, Pathfinders for Autism, and Jenn & Jake's own personal experiences.
Always ask first! Police officers always need to see your hands and watch your hands. If you need to get a fidget toy or calming object from your pocket, always ask. Never put your hands in your pocket when you see police coming towards you. Tell the police you are feeling scared and nervous and ask if you can get your calming object. It is always helpful at this point to tell the police if you have a medical diagnosis.
If I'm scared, I might run away!
If you run, police think you did something wrong or you are hiding something. Stay put and talk with the officer the best you can. If you wear an ID bracelet or carry some other form of ID, this would be a good time to show them.
I sometimes have trouble with personal space.
Many with Autism struggle to judge the appropriate speaking distance in all communication settings. When speaking to police, be sure to keep longer than arms distance away. If you get too close, you might scare the officer. If you don't know, back up or ask.
What if I want to touch the police officer?
Always ask, first. If you touch an officer without permission, they might think you are trying to grab their gun, badge or tools from their utility belt. If police think you might hurt them, they may consider restraint or handcuffs to keep themselves safe. The first police officer rule is officer safety. Handshakes and high fives are appropriate, but ask first.
But I want to pet their K-9!
Police officers come in many shapes and sizes, even 4 legs and furry! Police dogs are actually police officers. So if they are in uniform, they are off limits to petting, snuggles and treats. If they are in uniform, observe from afar.
What if I don't understand?
This is the perfect time to tell officers that you have a medical diagnosis. Whether it be Autism, Down Syndrome, Anxiety or Learning Disorders, tell police up front. Asking them to speak slowly and calmly is appropriate and ok. Once you disclose your diagnosis, you can relax and officers will understand if you're not looking at them. If your medical ID card is in your wallet, please ask to get your wallet before reaching into your pocket.
But what if I think I'm in trouble?
Always try your best to be honest and answer all questions truthfully. If you just make up an answer to feel like you followed the direction, police may get suspicious that you are making up stories to cover something else up.
Information provided is a compilation from MCPD, Pathfinders for Autism, and Jenn & Jake's own personal experiences.
The World According to Jake® and Empowering Autism Caregivers LLC.,® are owned and operated solely by Jenn Lynn.
For writing or appearances via email [email protected] 301-337-0432
For writing or appearances via email [email protected] 301-337-0432