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In its commitment to be an autism-friendly community, the Gilbert Police Department has renewed its certification as a Certified Autism Center.
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards awards the certifications to organizations that have trained 80% or more of public-facing team members in how to communicate with and respond to autistic community members.
The Law Enforcement program provided by IBCCES covers topics such as common signs or behaviors that someone may be autistic, empathy and understanding, sensory sensitivities, communication tips, safety concerns such as elopement and drowning, and other scenario-based best practices.
“The Gilbert Police Department is pleased to renew its certifications through IBCCES,” Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg said in a release. “We value our relationship and trust with the community and recognize the important knowledge this training provides for our employees to better understand the needs of the autistic community.
"Since first being certified in 2022, the Gilbert Police Department has launched new events and programs designed for families with a loved one on the spectrum. We look forward to continuing to offer new opportunities in the future.”
These new events and programs include the creation of Gilbert PD’s Bring me Home Program, a confidential program available for Gilbert residents to register individuals with disabilities who may need extra help with communicating in an emergency.
Additionally, Gilbert PD has launched Sensory Awareness Family Events, or S.A.F.E., including a partnership with Trader Joe’s where individuals with sensory sensitivities were provided with an afternoon to interact with public safety personnel and shop with reduced announcements, music, and dimmed lights.
The S.A.F.E. program expanded in 2024 when Gilbert Police partnered with Gilbert Fire & Rescue to hold its inaugural S.A.F.E. Public Safety Day in April.
This event gave Gilbert members of the special needs and autism communities the opportunity to interact with firefighters and police officers in a safe setting. Activities included the chance to take a ride-along in a fire truck, experience a police traffic stop, and see police and fire gear up close.
Local resource vendors were also on-site for Gilbert residents and families with autism and special needs.
“Having a child on the spectrum and being a police officer for 20 years, I can relate to the stress and fears families have when their child goes out on their own or becomes an adult,” Gilbert Police Lt. Chris Timmins said in a release. "Our dedication to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive municipality shows with the support from our leadership in providing us with this training to make our community safe for everyone. For that, I am grateful not only as an employee for the Gilbert Police Department but also as a parent of a child on the spectrum.”
The Gilbert Police Department, Gilbert Fire & Rescue, and Gilbert’s Parks and Recreation Department have all received CAC designation, ensuring that community members with autism and other sensory disorders are properly accommodated whether it’s interacting with public safety employees or spending a day at a park in Gilbert.
“Being an autism certified police department illustrates to our community and those who are autistic that they can trust that the Gilbert Police Department is properly trained when serving this growing, yet underserved community,” Gilbert Police Officer Levi Leyba said in a release.
“By preparing for encounters with individuals with cognitive differences or special needs, Gilbert PD is now in a position where we can better understand and communicate with our community members on the spectrum and help provide strategies to respond to a variety of calls for service. We are excited to be able to help build a more inclusive community, ensuring the safety of all involved.”
