November 12, 2024  |  New Jersey Law Center  |  New Brunswick

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Autism New Jersey’s Autism-Friendly Law Enforcement: A Statewide Summit is a venue to network, share autism-friendly practices, and learn from colleagues and others.

This unique event will give an overview to Autism New Jersey’s Law Enforcement Initiative and highlight some important initial work that has been done. In addition, the event will feature presentations and provide an opportunity for open dialogue on important autism-friendly topics such as: registries, Blue Envelope and other motor vehicle practices, community events, locative technology, creating a supportive environment, and supporting communication needs. The event will also provide an opportunity for exhibiting where attendees can see various autism-friendly practices in use (e.g., seatbelt covers, sensory kits, Blue Envelope samples, real-time locative technology).

This event is open to law enforcement with an emphasis on leadership at state, county, and municipal levels and their designees. This event is free, and registration is required.

Summit Agenda

ROUNDTABLE AGENDA 12:00PM TO 4:00PM
WELCOMING REMARKS
Suzanne Buchanan, Psy.D., BCBA-D | Autism New Jersey

Dr. Buchanan will provide opening remarks that will describe the work of Autism New Jersey how Autism New Jersey can help law enforcement to have safe and positive interactions with the autistic community.
LAW ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE OVERVIEW
Doreen Yanik, Esq. | Autism New Jersey

An overview will be provided for Autism New Jersey’s Law Enforcement initiative with information on the origin story, initiative scope & phases, work to date, and key autism-friendly practices provided.
PARENTS' PERSPECTIVES

Two parents of individuals with autism will share their experiences and hopes for autistic individuals and law enforcement.
AUTISM FRIENDLY PRACTICES PANEL PT. 1
Chief Tim Barlow (ret.) | Tewksbury Twp.
Chief Mike Polaski | Robbinsville Twp.
Lieutenant Tom Egan | Robbinsville Twp.
Senior Assistant Prosecutor Tangerla Thomas | Hunterdon County

Our first set of panelists will discuss successes, barriers, and funding considerations for the following practices: Blue Envelope, mock pullovers, community events, autism-friendly liaison, MH/SN Working Group.
LUNCH, NETWORKING, & EXHIBITING

During lunchtime, attendees will be able to stop by booths showcasing various autism-friendly practices including the Blue Envelope, seatbelt covers, decals, sensory kits, registries, and location devices.
AUTISM FRIENDLY PRACTICES PANEL PT. 2
First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Kubriet | Middlesex County
Commander Kathy Burgos | Passaic County Sheriff's Office
Special Accounts Manager Jeannie Callahan | AngelSense
Police Officer Joy Klapal | Livingston
Chief Kevin Kesselman | NJIT
Captain Mike Matunas | Spring Lake Heights

Our second set of panelists will discuss successes, barriers, and funding considerations for the following practices: registries, location devices, seatbelt covers and decals, supportive environment, training.
CLOSING REMARKS
Doreen Yanik, Esq. | Autism New Jersey

Ms. Yanik will summarize the day’s activities and offer practical next steps to organize and advance our collective efforts.

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FAQs

What is the cost for this event?

It’s free! We are pleased to provide this event at no cost to attendees thanks to our generous sponsorship from AngelSense and Online Policing Solutions (OPS).

Will meals be provided?

Yes, lunch will be provided midway through the event.

Will accommodations be provided?

No, transportation and lodging are not included.

Will this event be recorded or live-streamed?

No, this event will be in-person only and will not be recorded or live-streamed.

Will this event be open to the public?

No. This event is specifically intended for chief law enforcement officers and/or their designees at the state, county, and municipal levels. Families and autistic individuals are invited to participate in our survey. Media will not be invited to cover this event.

Are there other ways to be involved in this initiative if I cannot attend the event?

Yes! Enter your email below:

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