Police get guidance on interactions
Safety focus is on drivers with autism
By: Gene Myers
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... New Jersey officials are looking to make police encounters safer for people with autism and other disorders.
.....
The initiatives, unveiled Friday, [02/21/2025] include new guidelines for law enforcement, a voluntary designation for driver's licenses and state-issued ID cards to indicate a person's diagnosis.
..... The effort is meant to help officers in New Jersey better recognize and understand civilians who may respond to traffic stops and other encounters in unexpected ways. "Law enforcement often interact with individuals in stressful circumstances, making clear communication essential," state Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said in a statement. "this guidance provides law3 enforcement with information and education that can help prevent potential misunderstandings or conflicts, as well as build trust and understanding."
..... Adelman joined stat4e4 Attorney General Matthew Platkin and acting Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Latrecia Littes-Floyd at the Hunterdon County Historic Courthouse to announce the program, along with representatives of Autism New Jersey and Hearing Association.
..... Smoothing out those encounters is vital given the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders among New Jersey children is notably higher than the national average, officials said. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 35 8-year-olds in the state have been diagnosed with ASD. People with autism, communications disorders and related conditions can act differently in stressful situations. They may avoid yet contact, have delayed responses, or make repetitive movements, all of which can be misinterpreted by police as suspicious or uncooperative behavior. Offers, without training, might see these actions as defiant, leading to escalation.
..... Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation in 2023 that makes it possible for New Jersey residents to indicate there diagnosis on licenses and identification cards. The law also tasked Human Services and the AG's Office to cerate guidance for law enforcement.
..... The guidance explains signs of the disorders, which may include a flight-or-fight response when people feel overwhelmed and pairs it with tips for police. They include allowing people more time to respond and giving them alternate ways to say yes or no, such as nodding one's head.
..... "The new designation for driver's licensees and state IDs offer an additional way for New Jerseyans with communication challenges to express their needs," Platkin said. The initiatives are a supplement to the Blue Envelope Program adopted by many police departments in New Jersey, in which drives with development disabiliites get a marker they can display in their vehicle or hand over to officers during a stop.
..... Residents can add the designation to their driver's licenses at any state Motor Vehicle Commission Licensing Center by providing an attestation of their diagnosis and six points of identification; medical documentation isn't needed, according to the announcement.
..... The marking will appear as the number "5" in the restrictions section of the license or ID. Additionally, people will receive a pink card that incidents if the peons has ASD, a communication disorder, or both."This effort aims to expand the perspectives of law enforcement officers by redefining what is consider 'typical'
versus 'suspicious' behavior,: said Deputy commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire. "Interactions improve when officers recognized and adapt to diverse communicators needs, ensuring that all individuals are truly understood."