Mission Possible 2012 Event Aims to Raise Autism Awareness

What:
An event to help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the autism community

When:
April 26, 2012
10 a.m.
Where:
Ahmanson Recruit Training Center (Westchester)
5651 W. Manchester Boulevard
Los Angeles 90045
Who:
District 9 City of Los Angeles Councilwoman Jan Perry (tentative)
District 8 Cith of Los Angeles Councilman Mark Ridley Thomas (tentative)
LAPD Deputy Chief Terry Hara
LAPD Director of Police Training and Education Dr. Luann Pannell
Los Angeles Fire Department Batallion Chief John Drake
Autism Society of Los Angeles President Emily Iland
Members of the LAPD Autism Support Group

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 teen 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 be able to 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.