CONCORD — Chief Joseph O’Connor is pleased to announce that the Concord Police Department will be supporting Autism Acceptance Month in April through a variety of initiatives to foster awareness and acceptance of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Special patches are available for purchase. Patches cost $15 and may be obtained by contacting Sgt. Timothy Landers at tlanders@concordma.gov. Proceeds from the sale of patches will be donated to MinuteMan ARC.
The Department will be promoting awareness and acceptance in several ways:
- Uniformed officers will be wearing the autism acceptance patch on Fridays during April. The Concord Police Relief Association has once again purchased these patches.
- The Department will place blue lights in a station window, as blue is the color associated with autism.
- The Department will participate in “Light It Up Blue” on Saturday, April 2, which is World Autism 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 over and activate their cruiser’s blue lights to increase awareness of autism.
- Officers will receive annual training on how to recognize and interact with community members who are on the autism spectrum.
- Parents and their children who are on the autism spectrum are invited to tour the station. Appointments may be made by contacting Sgt. Landers.
“It’s important as a Department that we meet the needs of our community,” Chief O’Connor said. “By continuing this ongoing autism awareness initiative we are able to better serve our community. I want to thank our community members and the Concord Police Relief Association for their steadfast support.”
Autism awareness seatbelt covers are free and available year-round. 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.
Those interested in obtaining a cover should contact Sgt. Landers.
