CONCORD — Chief Joseph O’Connor is pleased to announce that the Concord Police Department again will be supporting Autism Awareness Month by raising awareness and outreach to community members with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The Concord Police Relief Association has purchased new Autism Awareness patches that will be worn on an officer’s uniform shirts on Fridays throughout the month.
Patches are available for purchase. Patches cost $10 and may be obtained by contacting Sergeant Timothy Landers at tlanders@concordma.gov. Proceeds from the sale of patches will be donated to MinuteMan ARC.
“It is our hope that the patches will increase autism awareness throughout our community,” Chief O’Connor said. “I want to thank the Concord Police Relief Association for organizing this fundraiser and supporting people impacted by autism.”
This fundraiser is one of several programs the Department will be taking part in throughout April to help raise awareness about ASD.
On Friday, April 2, the Department will participate in “Light It Up Blue,” a nationwide initiative to mark the start of National Autism Awareness Month and celebrate World Awareness Day. At 7:30 p.m., a Public Safety Dispatcher will announce to all patrols who are not handling an active call to pull to the side of the road and activate their cruiser’s blue lights to raise awareness of autism.
Blue lights will be placed in a station window throughout the month as well. During April, officers will be reviewing their annual training on how to recognize and interact with someone on the autism spectrum.
Additionally, autism awareness seatbelt covers are free and available year-round. Those who wish to request a cover can do so by contacting Sergeant Landers. The seatbelt covers, which also can be attached to the strap of a backpack, help first responders identify if a person in a vehicle is on the autism spectrum, allowing them to respond accordingly.