“Autism doesn’t have the physical indicators other conditions do,” said Sgt. Dan McDonald of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, who trains deputies on how to recognize signs of autism. “Kids with autism may have an aversion to bright lights, loud sounds, and groups of people they are unfamiliar with, and that can be a stressful situation for them.” Those with autism might not respond to commands or questions and may have difficulty expressing themselves. They might not make eye contact and could be extremely adverse to touch.

In October, special legislation went into effect in Florida that will improve the way law enforcement interacts with children and adults with autism. House Bill 39 requires that all law enforcement officers in the state receive specialized training related to autism through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Sgt. McDonald took part in the curriculum workshop for this training, which is now being field tested by Florida Department of Law Enforcement before it can be widely used throughout the state. Sgt. McDonald is confident that the new legislation will continue to improve the skillsets deputies have when it comes to interacting with various individuals in the community. 

“I think it’s a win-win to the benefit and safety of the com-munity,” he said. “It’s going to help first responders and families here in Collier County.”

Collier County deputies are ahead of the curve in receiving special training for their interactions with those with autism through the Crisis Intervention Team training program. Sheriff Kevin Rambosk wants 100 percent of deputies to complete the training, which began in 2008 and teaches deputies how to interact with individuals who may show signs of mental illness, autism, or other developmental disabilities. The 40-hour training program is offered four times a year and has been proven to reduce injuries and death to police and individuals with mental illness or other diagnoses. So far, about 500 deputies have received the training.

“We teach recognition and response to autism,” said Sgt. McDonald.If a deputy encounters someone with autism at the scene of a traffic crash, for example, deputies learn to recognize signs that indicate an individual might have autism through their actions, limited communications, or behavior.

If that’s the case, Sgt. McDonald said deputies are trained to give an individual more personal space, to use simple language, and allow extra time for a response.Here are a few things you can do now if your child has autism:

1. Register your child in the C.A.R.E. data-base by contacting Supervisor Angela Larson of the Victim & Senior Advocacy Unit at 239-252-0232, or by email at Angela.Larson@colliersheriff.org.

This database tells deputies about your child’s physical appearance, tendencies, triggers, and preferences and can help locate him or her in an emergency.

2. Have your child outfitted with a Project Lifesaver bracelet, which will monitor his or her location if prone to wandering.

3. Get a free autism sticker for your vehicle. Place this sticker on the window where your child usually sits. The sticker lets first responders know that someone in the vehicle has autism and might be nonverbal.

Contact Sgt. McDonald at 239-252-0921, or by email at Daniel.McDonald@colliersheriff.org, with questions or to request a window sticker.

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If a Collier deputy catches your children in the act this summer, they might just get a “ticket.” The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is again participating in 7-Eleven’s Operation Chill, a program that aims to reduce crime and build rapport between kids and law enforcement.

If a deputy spots a child wearing a helmet, picking up trash, or observing crosswalk rules, he or she could get a “ticket” for a free small Slurpee at 7-Eleven.

Hundreds of agencies around the country have participated in the program since it began in 1995.

Youth Relations Bureau Captain Beth Jones said Operation Chill is a great way to develop relationships with the youth in the community, while teaching the importance of making good decisions, being kind, and doing the right thing.

The program goes hand-in-hand with another initiative the sheriff’s office promotes year round. Students are recognized during award ceremonies for the good deeds they do either in school or in the community as part of the Do The Right Thing program. While it is usually teachers who nominate students, anyone in the community can do so.

Do you know a child who has “done the right thing” and deserves special recognition? We would love to hear from you. Forms are available to fill out online to submit to the CCSO. Visit www.colliersheriff.org/we-can-help/parent-resources/dothe-right-thing.

The award ceremonies are held six times a year at the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology, 3702 Estey Ave., Naples, in the school cafeteria at 3:30 p.m. Dates are updated throughout the summer for 2017-18 school year on www.colliersheriff.org.

In the past, winners have been recognized for standing up to bullies, giving found valuables to adults, donating birthday money to a nonprofit, and alerting adults to bad behavior by fellow students. We’ve even seen students rescuing other students from dangerous situations and calling 911 when their teacher needed medical attention.

During the ceremonies, a CCSO representative explains the award for each student and hands out certificates and medals. Students from elementary school through high school are eligible for nomination.

So tell your kids to be on their best behavior this summer. Our deputies will be patrolling parks, community events, and camps looking to hand out free treats courtesy of 7-Eleven. And you could find yourself being recognized at an upcoming Do The Right Thing Ceremony.

Thanks for helping to keep Collier County a great place and a safe place!

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