ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) --A southwest suburb has kicked off a program to give police more of a heads-up when responding to a home or pulling over a car that has a person with autism in it.
Orland Park has begun its Occupant with Autism program. The village is offering free decals to residents and to non-residents who work or go to school in the area.
Those decals should be put near the front door of a home and/or the rear window of a car to let police know there may be someone inside with autism.
The Village of Orland Park said that when their police officers see those decals, they can use their autism training and adjust their approach to a situation with the understanding that the person may not communicate, respond to verbal commands or be aware of potential dangers.
"This free and voluntary database managed by the OPPD is designed to provide peace of mind to our residents. It serves as a valuable tool for enhancing interactions involving individuals with autism and the men and women of the Orland Park Police Department,” Police Chief Eric Rossi said in a statement.
“The decals will serve as a visible notification not only to police but to all first responders."
Those interested in participating in the program can register here.
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