Law Enforcement Info

1) Build relationships with local law enforcement

1. • Request a meeting and explain to them about your concerns and introduce your child to local officers in a low-stress environment.

     • Try to create a check-in system with the local police where, after a period of time of no contact, they could try to reach you before performing a  police welfare check. 

   • Many departments will keep a file they can share amongst themselves called the "Community Safety Profile" (includes your child's name, diagnosis, calming strategies, triggers, and emergency contacts).

   • Ask your local officers if they train officers on interacting with neurodivergent individuals. If not, advocate their need to undergo Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).

2) Create and Maintain an Emergency Information Kit

• This should include:

  • Medical/Diagnosis Info

  • Sensory Sensitivities

  • Communication Style

  • Medications and allergies

  • De-escalation strategies

  • Legal guardianship or Power of Attorney documents

  • Emergency Contact list

  • A recent photo

TIP: Keep this in both print and digital format to share with care providers and trusted individuals. Check it annually!

3) Practice Expectations with your Child 

• Use role play to explain how law enforcement might speak or act

• Teach simple, clear phrases (i.e., "I have autism," "Call my caregiver," or "I need time to answer")

• Help them learn when to call 911 and what information to give 

4) Use Identification Tools

• Medical ID bracelet or tag (use this link to view an example)

• ID card with diagnosis, communication needs, and caregiver contact info (use this link to view an example)

• If applicable, use tracking apps or GPS devices if wandering is a concern

• Law enforcement could attach "flags" into their emergency dispatch system (first responders have codes to inform them that the individual responds differently based on some form of medical or neurodevelopmental disorders BEFORE they arrive to the scene without necessarily needing to know what the specific case history is)

5) Involve Schools or Day Programs (if applicable)

• Get in writing, a document from your child's school or program stating that staff are trained and know how to contact law enforcement (if needed) and what supports your child needs

• Include law enforcement plans in IEPs or behavioral plans

1) Designate a Legal Guardian or Conservator

• Use a Special Needs Attorney to set up:

  • A guardianship (if your child is legally incompetent)

  • A special needs trust (to preserve the government benefits)

CAUTION: Make sure the designated guardian understands how to advocate for your child with law enforcement. 

2) Write a Letter of Intent

• This is an informal (but vital) document describing your child's:

  • Routines

  • Triggers and calming strategies

  • How they express distress or confusion

  • Preferences, values, and safety concerns

  • Law enforcement interaction guidance

TIP: Keep this with other legal documents you may have and update it annually.

3) Train Future Caregivers and Advocates

• Educate them on:

  • De-escalation methods

  • How to interact with the police on your child's behalf

  • Emergency plans and communication scripts 

  • Best way to handle hygiene needs in public settings

4) Register with Local Agencies

• Some cities allow you to:

  • Voluntarily register your child with police/fire departments

  • Enroll in vulnerable person registries (example in Fontana, California)

    • CAUTION: There are no single, nationwide or state-wide, database to register vulnerable people and could even take on different names (i.e., "Safe at Home" program in California).

5) Maintain Updated Legal and Medical Documents

• Ensure emergency responders AND courts can access:

  • Guardianship orders

  • Durable Power of Attorney (if deemed appropriate)

  • Advanced Medical Directives