Richmond RCMP are participating in the Autism Decal Project, an initiative aimed at ensuring safer interactions between police and neurodivergent individuals.
The project will consist of distributing decals for placement on vehicles and homes to indicate the occupancy of a neurodiverse person.
By alerting police beforehand, this will guarantee interactions are handled with sensitivity and caution, particularly important in stressful situations where effective communication is vital.
If placed on vehicles, the decal should be set on the rear bumper to the left of the license plate, and for residences, it should be placed near the doorbell.
Richmond RCMP Community Engagement Team Const. Tessa Cameron said officers are trained to be flexible in different situations.
“The decal provides an additional visual cue that serves as a reminder to pause and reflect on our training, adapting our response to the needs of an individual who may be non-verbal or present with heightened anxiety,” she said.
Richmond RCMP Chief Supt. Dave Chauhan underscored their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members.
“The Autism Decal Project is a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and understanding community. We encourage all families and individuals who could benefit from this program to participate and help us spread the word,” he added.
This project will be launched in partnership with the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police, the BC Law Enforcement Diversity Network and the Pacific Autism Family Network.
Those interested in obtaining decals can do so at any Richmond RCMP Community Policing Office or by contacting the BCACP or the Pacific Autism Family Network.
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