EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
July 22, 2024
CONTACT
Jill Green, Redmond Police Department Public Information Officer
jgreen@redmond.gov
425-556-2627
Redmond Police Department Renews its Certified Autism Center™ Designation, Enhancing Inclusivity in the Community
REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department recently renewed its Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation certification, continuing efforts to provide officers with knowledge and training to assist and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive community members. In 2022, the department became the first in Washington to earn the certification, which was awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
The department's training enhances officers’ knowledge and ability to assist and communicate with autistic or sensory-sensitive community members.
“I’m proud of my staff’s continued dedication and commitment to completing this critical training to ensure we compassionately serve all members of the Redmond community,” said Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe.
The Redmond Police Department launched a Take Me Home program in June for families with loved ones who have cognitive or developmental disabilities in case they go missing or experience an emergency.
The program is a registry of vulnerable individuals to assist first responders in reuniting people with disabilities with their caregivers.
The program's goal is to help reduce the trauma of emergencies and reconnect community members with their families. It provides an additional tool for enhancing the safety of our community members.
“We’re excited that the Redmond Police Department has chosen to continue their efforts of inclusivity with the renewal of their Certified Autism Center™ designation. There is a great impact on the community when enhancing safety for autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals, and it sets a great example for others to follow,” says Myron Pincomb, board chairman of IBCCES.
For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in autism, neurodiversity, and cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES created programs specifically for hospitality and recreational organizations, such as hotels, theme parks, museums, and other attractions, so staff would be more knowledgeable and other accommodations could be offered to this growing but underserved part of the community. IBCCES is the only credentialing board offering these types of programs, which include training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, as well as long-term support, continuous learning, and more.
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