The Metropolitan Police is reinvigorating a scheme across London designed to help autistic individuals interact more effectively with police officers. The initiative, funded by the Met, centres around the Autism Alert Card, a tool created to facilitate better communication and understanding between police officers and autistic people.
The Autism Alert Card, available to all autistic individuals, contains essential information such as the person’s name and contact details for a designated adult. It also provides an overview of autism and offers practical advice for officers on how to best assist the individual. A more detailed A5 booklet version is also available, offering in-depth guidance on how officers should communicate, including specific tips to support the individual based on their unique needs.
Commander Simon Messinger, the Met’s lead for neuro-diversity, noted the importance of the scheme: “An interaction with the police may make autistic people feel anxious, they may need more time to process and understand what is happening or have difficulty in communicating.
“The Autism Alert Card is a fantastic way for autistic people to let police know that they may need extra support and to help explain their feelings and reactions. The visual tools on the passport can also help them to describe and communicate their feelings, with added written information that can guide officers as to what specific accommodations the autistic person may benefit from.”
Tim Nicholls, Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, highlighted the importance of the card in ensuring fair treatment: “It’s vital that police and all staff in the criminal justice system understand autism and that specialist support is available when needed. Autistic people can find communication difficult and can become anxious and overwhelmed, particularly in a stressful situation like an encounter with the police.
“These cards mean police officers will know if someone is autistic and be able to adapt their communication and actions to ensure they treat autistic people fairly, appropriately and with respect.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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