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Richmond RCMP has announced a new Autism Decal Project, that will improve the interactions between police officers and neurodiverse or autistic individuals.

Photos courtesy Richmond RCMP

RCMP partners with BCACP on Autism Decal Project

By Matthew Cheung

Published 2:32 PDT, Fri August 30, 2024

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On Aug. 16, 2024, Richmond RCMP announced a group partnership with the BC Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP), the BC Law Enforcement Diversity Network, and the Pacific Autism Network, to launch the Autism Decal Project. The project aims to improve interactions between police officers and neurodiverse or autistic individuals by using the decal as an identifier for officers. Through this project, it is hopeful that law enforcement would be able to foster experiences with better understanding and safer interactions.

The primary goal of the Autism Decal Project is to alert police officers and first responders to the presence of a neurodiverse individual. By providing this crucial information upfront, the decal helps ensure the interactions are handled with the necessary sensitivity and awareness. This initiative is particularly important in high-stress situations where clear communication and understanding are essential. By having this decal present, it will promote safety and reassurance that individuals will receive appropriate and empathetic responses from first responders.

“As officers we are trained to adapt our approach to a variety of situations. The decal provides an additional visual que 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”, said Constable Tessa Cameron, Richmond RCMP Community Engagement Team.

Chief Superintendent Dave Chauhan, Officer in Charge of Richmond RCMP, stated, “We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our 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.”

BC Law Enforcement Diversity Network (BCLEDN) is a group of 18 public safety agencies who are committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging. “The network shares situational information on issues impacting diverse communities across BC, such as the poisoned drug supply and intimate partner violence, and disseminates strategies to address these challenges. We also promote equity and inclusion with our agencies, recognizing the difficulties public safety organizations face in fostering a sense of belonging for everyone in the workplace” as seen on their website. The network of organizations is made up of the following:

• Metro Vancouver Transit Police

• Canada Border Services Agency

• Department of Fisheries and Oceans

• Canadian Pacific Kansas City Police

• BC RCMP Highway Patrol

• North Vancouver RCMP

• Burnaby RCMP

• Surrey RCMP

• Richmond RCMP

• Surrey Police

• Abbotsford Police

• Delta Police

• West Vancouver Police

• Saanich Police

• Port Moody Police

• New Westminster Police

• Victoria Police

• Vancouver Police

Families and individuals interested in obtaining decals can do so at any Richmond RCMP Community Policing Office or by contacting the BCACP o network. There will be two types of decals, one for homes and another for vehicles. Individuals who obtain a decal are encouraged to place vehicle decals onto their rear bumper, left of their license plate. Residential decals are to be placed near the doorbell. Both decal locations, placed in visible areas, will ensure individuals are receive appropriate and empathetic responses. Training programs for police officers will also be conducted to enhance their understanding and response to the unique needs of autistic and neurodiverse individuals. First responders will be equipped with enhanced understanding and interaction skills when interacting with individuals with autism during their duties.

For more information on the Autism Decal Project, visit the BCACP website at bcacp.ca/bc-law-enforcement-diversity-network