Mission Possible 2014 Event Aims to Raise Autism Awareness NA14070ne

What:
An event to help bridge the gap between Law Enforcement and the Autism Community during National Autism Awareness Month

When:
Thursday, April 24, 2014
9:30 a.m.

Where:
Doubletree by Hilton, Downtown Los Angeles
120 S. Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Who:
LAPD Chief of Police Charlie Beck
LAPD Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur
LAPD Deputy Chief Robert Green
LAPD Dr. Luann Pannell
Members of the Los Angeles City Council

Why:
To better enable law enforcement personnel to develop the understanding and tools needed to meet the distinct social, communicational and behavioral needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

The event is also designed to help young people with ASD learn the necessary skills to be safe in the community.  Over 100 local students are expected to attend the event and participate in hands-on workshops.  Each student will work one-on-one with a police partner to learn and practice safety skills such as asking for help.

In a friendly, nonthreatening environment, students will learn about police procedures and gain experience in following instructions, providing them with a chance to become familiar with emergency equipment like police cars and ambulances.

Contact:
For additional information contact Media Relations Section at (213) 486-5910.