County and state government leaders in New Jersey recently announced new, vital guidance for police officers, specifically aimed at enhancing their understanding of how to interact with police and those with autism in a more thoughtful and effective manner during traffic stops or other emergency situations. The implementation of this new initiative marks an essential step toward improving interactions between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum.
One of the key features of this initiative is a discreet code that can be voluntarily added onto state-issued ID cards or driver’s licenses, which would indicate that a person is on the autism spectrum. This addition allows officers to identify individuals who may need a modified approach in certain situations, ensuring that their needs are met with greater sensitivity and understanding.
In addition to the discreet code, Pink Code 5 description cards are also available to individuals across the state. These cards can be obtained at any New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) facility. The pink cards, which must accompany the state-issued ID or driver’s license, serve to disclose the individual’s specific diagnosis, providing law enforcement with additional context about the person’s condition.
While the decision to participate in this program is entirely voluntary for the autism community, it is designed to provide a valuable tool for police officers to adopt a more thoughtful approach when interacting with individuals on the spectrum. As Doreen Yanik, director of Autism New Jersey’s Law Enforcement Initiative, explained, the goal of this program is to improve communication and foster a better understanding between law enforcement and those who may have unique needs due to autism.
This initiative represents a significant improvement in the relationship between law enforcement and the autism community. In fact, it was law enforcement that requested this guidance to help benefit both officers and individuals with autism. The new protocol aims to ensure that officers, when encountering this discreet code on a license or ID, understand that a different, more empathetic approach may be required in various emergency situations, including traffic stops.
“The support from both law enforcement and the autism community to make these interactions run as smoothly as possible has been overwhelming,” Yanik said.
The anxiety that accompanies being pulled over by law enforcement can be nerve-wracking for anyone. However, individuals on the autism spectrum often experience heightened anxiety responses in these situations, leading to additional challenges when interacting with police officers. “What is wonderful about this discreet code on a license or state-issued ID card is that it reframes the encounter. It has law enforcement approach in a different way, in a more thoughtful way. They have been advised how to identify certain signs of autism spectrum disorder and then given guidance by both the Department of Human Services and the Attorney General’s Office on how to approach these situations,” Yanik said.
Persons with autism who encounter a police officer may struggle to communicate effectively. They may exhibit a “flight or freeze” reaction when approached, which can make it difficult for them to process information in a timely manner. These individuals may avoid eye contact or engage in repetitive behaviors, all of which can be misinterpreted by officers as criminal activity, suspicious behavior, or signs of intoxication. Yanik highlighted that, with the new guidance, officers will be trained to recognize these signs and understand that they may not indicate negative or criminal intentions.
Under the newly established guidelines, officers will have a “road map” for handling these situations. This includes using easy-to-understand language and speaking slowly, calmly, deliberately, and directly to the individual. This approach is designed to reduce misunderstandings and ensure that those with autism are treated with patience and respect during their interaction with law enforcement.
One of the key requests from the autism community in New Jersey has always been for better communication. Yanik emphasized that individuals with autism want to understand what is happening during a traffic stop or emergency interaction. To address this, Autism New Jersey is encouraging law enforcement to be proactive in explaining the situation to the individual. Officers are asked to explain why the person is being stopped, what will happen next, and to communicate directly with the individual in a clear and calm manner. Additionally, officers are encouraged to model positive body language and speech, while remaining alert to signs of heightened frustration and anxiety, which may be exhibited by the driver.
“It’s really a more thoughtful, calm, patient approach, which will lead to more positive and safe interactions. Our goal is to decrease use of force incidents, or end situations that can easily be misunderstood as criminal behavior, or suspicious behavior,” Yanik said.
This initiative is designed to enhance not only the safety of the individuals involved but also to create a safer environment for law enforcement officers. By focusing on improving understanding and communication, the program aims to reduce the number of incidents that could escalate unnecessarily. It also provides officers with the tools they need to handle situations involving individuals on the autism spectrum with greater compassion and care.
For those who wish to have this designation added to their driver’s license or state-issued ID, they must submit a completed MR-16-Autism Communication Form, along with six points of identification and any applicable fees, at an MVC licensing center. A spokesperson for the MVC has clarified that this process cannot be completed by mail or online. The pink Code 5 description card will indicate whether the person has autism spectrum disorder, a communication disorder, or both.
This new initiative is a clear reflection of a growing understanding of the unique challenges faced by police and those with autism, and it is an important step forward in fostering better, more positive interactions between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum. With ongoing support from both the autism community and law enforcement, this guidance has the potential to set a national standard for how to approach similar interactions across the country.
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