Pieces of the Puzzle: Law Enforcement and the Autism Community NA11097lpk

A symposium on autism awareness

WHAT:   
Autism Awareness Symposium

WHEN:   
Friday, April 29, 2011
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE:   
Ahmanson Recruit Training Center
5651 W. Manchester Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90045

WHO:   
The Los Angeles Police Department

WHY:   
The Los Angeles Police Department is hosting a symposium, “Pieces of the Puzzle: A Collaboration of Law Enforcement and the Autism Community,” on autism for the community and law enforcement personnel in support of Autism Awareness Month and in concert with the Department’s ongoing support and efforts to effectively address its special needs communities.

A person with autism is seven times more likely to have an encounter with the police and with more than 1 in 150 persons being diagnosed with autism, the likelihood of encountering a person with autism is greater than an encounter with a person on parole or probation.

Law enforcement personnel from the LAPD, the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, the Los Angeles Unified School District Police and the California Highway have been invited.  Autism advocates, families and the community at large are also invited.

The half-day session will be comprised of two breakaway sessions and a reunion to discuss lessons learned and next steps. A community/advocacy track will focus on law enforcement issues confronting persons with autism while the law enforcement track will focus on identifying needs and possible partnerships within the autism community. Each track is designed to increase the level of awareness and sensitivity to the challenges faced by those affected by autism and by those tasked with enforcing the law. The ultimate goal is to increase the level of positive interactions and outcomes when law enforcement personnel are called for service and an autistic person is involved.

CONTACT:      
For more information, please contact Alex Nuno, Police Training and Education 213-847-3000.