North Yorkshire launches new autism alert card

North Yorkshire Police has teamed up with the National Autistic Society (NAS) to promote a new card that alerts members of the emergency services and the criminal justice system to anyone who has an autism spectrum condition.

The cards, which are obtainable from local branches of the NAS, are available to anyone in North Yorkshire who has a condition under the autism spectrum.

The autism alert card was launched last month at North Yorkshire Police headquarters, hosted by Assistant Chief Constable Peter Bagshaw, the force’s strategic lead on diversity.

Mr Bagshaw said: “We are very pleased to be able to support this initiative. It is vital that all members of the community feel comfortable and confident when they come into contact with North Yorkshire Police, other emergency services and the wider criminal justice system.

“Our officers need to be particularly aware of the challenges facing people who have an autism spectrum disorder so that any difficulties in communication are not misinterpreted.”

Guest speakers were Alan Bicknell, NAS head of support programmes, and Heidi Shepherd, area manager of the NAS Yorkshire Region.

Mr Bicknell added: “I am thrilled that North Yorkshire Police is taking such an active interest in the autism community. The NAS is regularly made aware of people with autism who have ended up in the criminal justice system when some knowledge amongst professionals could easily have avoided this.

“Carrying an autism alert card will make people aware that they have the condition, and the training that we are providing to North Yorkshire Police should help officers to know how to deal with someone who has the condition, reduce their anxiety and prevent the situation getting out of control. We hope that other police authorities will follow suit.”

The cards are designed to improve communication with emergency services and criminal justice professionals.