The Pennsylvania State Police is offering a free safety resource to individuals with autism to enhance their interactions with law enforcement. Troopers are distributing an informational card that people with autism can carry and present during encounters with police. The card informs officers about the individual’s condition, which may include being nonverbal, sensitive to loud noises, or unresponsive to commands, prompting officers to use a calm and direct approach for safer interactions.
The informational card, developed by the state police’s Office of Community Engagement, can be printed from the PSP website or saved on a phone. Troopers will also distribute the cards at community events, and individuals with autism are encouraged to present the card during any interaction with police officers, regardless of their affiliation with PSP.
The proposed state budget for 2024-25 includes a substantial investment of $483 million in federal and state funding to increase wages for service providers and expand access to care. The Shapiro Administration has also mandated that commercial insurers comply with state laws to provide coverage for autism benefits, ensuring broader support and services for Pennsylvanians with ID/A.
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