CSC GROUPPROJECTS | APRIL EDITION

Interacting with Students with Autism: Tips and Strategies for Law Enforcement and Security Professionals

Sergeant Stefan Bjes, Founder and CEO, Blue Line Spectrum Safety

Numerous incidents of challenging/negative interactions between school resource officers (SROs) or school security personnel and children with special needs, have been well publicized. These negative interactions, among other incidents, have fueled proposed legislation to remove law enforcement from schools. In the era of crisis intervention, we need to take steps to ensure that SROs are appropriately trained so they have de-escalation techniques that foster positive encounters with students with special needs. School administrators and law enforcement agencies can work cohesively together to ensure positive outcomes for these interactions.

By adopting a proactive approach, schools and police departments can help keep this vulnerable population safe, have more positive interactions and help keep themselves and their respective departments and school districts safe from possible civil liability.

Sgt. Stefan Bjes wlll provide strategies to help recognize the characteristics associated with autism and understand strategies for achieving positive outcomes during their dealings with students with autism.

Bring your questions, express your concerns, share your experience, and take time to connect with your peers during these small, one-hour GroupProject sessions!

Be ready to share and participate in this “GroupProject” discussion!