CHELMSFORD — Chief Colin Spence is pleased to report that the Chelmsford Police Department hosted training for Autism Liaison Officers this week at the Chelmsford Police station.
Three Chelmsford Police officers were among those who attended the specialized training, which prepares officers to lead autism awareness campaigns and training inside their departments.
Other officers attending were from Rutland, Sturbridge, and Methuen Police Department, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police, and Merrimack, N.H., Police.
The class teaches officers to recognize signs and behavioral indicators of autism, specialized communication and de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and how to make school and safety programs more inclusive. The class also covers legal issues related to educational institutes and group homes, community outreach programs, and the unique safety challenges faced by children on the autism spectrum.
The two-day course was held on Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 1.
The course is geared toward officers who want to start a program to assist the autistic community, as well as toward School Resource Officers.
The Autism Liaison Officer course, developed and offered by Safety Analytics, is taught by retired Burlington Police Lt. Glen Mills, founder of the company, and Burlington Police Officer Stephen Papagno, who has more than 25 years of experience.
“We were happy to host this important training course that will help officers from across the region better serve community members who are on the autism spectrum,” said Chief Spence. “I’d like to thank Safety Analytics for providing this opportunity to our officers.”