The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) collaborated with Blue Bridge Autism Training to present “Understanding Autism: A Guide for First Responders” in April. This initiative was a part of Autism Acceptance Month and aimed at equipping first responders with the necessary skills to effectively interact with individuals on the autism spectrum.
The training session was conducted by Captain (Ret.) Gerald Turning, who has 25 years of law enforcement experience and is also a father to an autistic child. The focus of the session was to provide officers with practical strategies, including communication techniques, recognizing signs of autism, de-escalation tactics, handling sensory sensitivities, search strategies for missing persons, and methods to encourage cooperation and compliance.
A special “Train-the-Trainer” session was also organized to further disseminate the knowledge within the department. The training was accessible to both sworn officers and professional staff. This aligns with FCPD’s goal of ensuring all staff are well-prepared to respond efficiently in critical moments. The program underlines the importance of continuous learning and community-centric policing.
The training was provided free of charge and underscores the department’s commitment to preparedness. The FCPD encourages individuals interested in joining their team to visit their website for more information. Moreover, residents can register their cameras with Connect Fairfax County to aid in solving crimes, locating missing persons, and supporting investigations.
For further engagement, the FCPD invites the public to read their blog and follow their official accounts on X, Facebook, and Instagram under the handle @FairfaxCountyPD.
