Why Police Crisis Response Training Matters
Behaviors related to autism can sometimes be misunderstood by law enforcement. The goal of this training is not to diagnose autism, but to help officers recognize behaviors that might otherwise be mistaken for criminal activity. Officers are taught that behavior is communication; what may appear suspicious could actually be a sign of stress, confusion, or sensory overload.
In Utah, many departments are incorporating Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and autism-specific modules. Training is not yet consistent statewide, making family preparation and communication especially important.
The training encourages officers to:
- Slow down
- Give space
- Approach with care
What Officers Learn
Officers are trained to understand autism-related behaviors, including:
- Differences between meltdowns, shutdowns, and noncompliance
- Repetitive behaviors or lack of eye contact as communication, not disrespect
- Delayed responses or sensory overload
- How lights, sirens, and multiple officers can increase stress
Important for families:
Even trained officers may misinterpret behaviors. Advance communication through dispatch systems and registries is essential.
Learning Through Real Experiences
Training includes:
- Family and caregiver panels
- Videos and body-camera footage of real interactions
In Utah, organizations like the Autism Council of Utah and the Utah Parent Center can offer resources.
Tools Officers Can Use
Some Utah departments are beginning to use:
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Communication boards
- Dry-erase tools
- Sensory items
- Family resource information
Not all departments have access yet. Officers are encouraged to reduce sensory input where possible.
Dispatch & Registry Systems (Critical in Utah)
- Project Safeguard – Families can share communication needs, triggers, and de-escalation strategies. Participating agencies include the Unified Police Department and Salt Lake City Police Department.
- Smart911 – Creates a profile accessible to 911 dispatch statewide.
Helping Families Feel Safer
Families can:
- Register with Project Safeguard or Smart911
- Request meet-and-greets with officers
- Connect with Community Outreach or CIT-trained officers
Working Together During a Crisis
Officers are trained to:
- Listen to caregivers
- Recognize communication differences
- Use de-escalation strategies
- Understand behaviors like running, hiding, or freezing
Utah Crisis & Youth Support Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
- Utah Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
- Primary Children’s Hospital
- Valley Behavioral Health
- Wasatch Behavioral Health
- Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) in many areas
When to Call Police vs. Other Crisis Resources
Call Police (911) when:
- Immediate danger to the youth or others
- Weapons involved
- Youth is missing/eloping
- Medical emergency requiring urgent response
- Unsafe property destruction
Tip for dispatch:
“My child is autistic, not dangerous, and may not respond to verbal commands.”
Call Mental Health / Crisis Resources when:
- Escalating but not immediately dangerous
- Youth is dysregulated or overwhelmed
- Need de-escalation support
- Concerns about anxiety, depression, or emotional distress
Use:
- 988 Lifeline: (call or text 988)
- Utah Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
- Local MCOT
Go to Emergency or Crisis Care when:
- Risk of self-harm
- Severe mental health crisis
- Medical or psychiatric stabilization needed
Example: Primary Children’s Hospital
Considerations:
- Police are trained for safety and enforcement, not always for sensory needs
- Mental health teams often handle de-escalation better
- You can request both police and crisis responders in some situations
Family Crisis Plan
A simple plan helps families act quickly and safely during a crisis.
1. Personal Information
- Child Name / Pronouns / Age
- Diagnosis / Communication needs / AAC use
- Medical info / Allergies
2. Triggers & Stressors
Identify common triggers and strategies that help calm your child (e.g., headphones, quiet space, visuals).
3. Calming Strategies
- Use short, simple instructions
- Allow time to respond
- Offer sensory items
- Speak calmly, give space
4. Build Your Child’s Support Team List
When a crisis happens, it can be hard to think clearly. Having a simple list of key contacts in one place can make all the difference. Use this as a guide to create your own:
Caregiver
Name:
Phone:
Notes:
Secondary Caregiver
Name:
Phone:
Notes:
Pediatrician or Specialist
Name:
Phone:
Notes:
School Contact (Teacher, Counselor, or Admin)
Name:
Phone:
Notes:
Local Police Department or CIT Officer (Crisis Intervention Team)
Name:
Phone:
Notes:
Emergency and Crisis Numbers
- 911 – Use only if there is immediate danger
- 988 Crisis Line / MCOT – Call or text 988, or add your local mobile crisis team number
- Call your city’s non-emergency police line for non-urgent issues – Search online: “[your city] police non-emergency number” (e.g., “Salt Lake City police non-emergency number”)
5. Step-by-Step Crisis Plan
- Assess safety → danger?
- Yes → Call 911
- No → proceed to calming strategies
- Use sensory / calming tools
- Call crisis resources if needed
- Notify caregivers / support network
- Document incident and update plan
Building Better Community Support
Key Utah resources:
Why Youth Voices Matter
Youth and families shape training through lived experience.
- Still needed: more youth participation, AAC/non-speaking representation, and rural access.
The Goal
Safer interactions, better understanding, and stronger trust between law enforcement, youth, and families.
Utah Gaps & Next Steps
- Statewide program consistency
- Dispatch training
- Youth-specific protocols
- School-law enforcement coordination
- Family education on crisis communication
Final Takeaway
Training is improving, but preparation, communication, and knowing who to call and when are critical to safety and outcomes.
