News » Law Enforcement Initiative Continues to Foster Positive, Safe Interactions

Law Enforcement Initiative Continues to Foster Positive, Safe Interactions

March 26, 2025

Autism New Jersey’s Law Enforcement Initiative continues to expand, fostering positive interactions between law enforcement and the autism community through statewide presentations, collaborative programs, and advocacy for autism-friendly practices.

Autism Awareness at the Chiefs of County Detectives/Investigators Association Meeting

Autism New Jersey’s Doreen Yanik and Law Enforcement Advisory Committee member Chief Tim Barlow (ret.) were invited to present the Law Enforcement Initiative and autism-friendly law enforcement practices to the Chiefs of County Detectives/Investigators Association of New Jersey at their quarterly meeting. With representatives in attendance from all 21 County Prosecutors’ Offices, the Attorney General’s Office, FBI, Secret Service, and the Police Training Commission, autism awareness and the need for safe and positive law enforcement interactions with the autism community are being taken to many new levels!

Pictured l to r: Chief Bob Ferris (Camden), Chief Barlow (Tewksbury Twp., ret.), Chief Mitch McGuire (Essex), Doreen Yanik, Chief John McCabe (Monmouth), Chief Tim Drew (Hunterdon), Chief Mike Emmer (Cape May)

Pictured l to r: Chief Bob Ferris (Camden), Chief Barlow (Tewksbury Twp., ret.), Chief Mitch McGuire (Essex), Doreen Yanik, Chief John McCabe (Monmouth), Chief Tim Drew (Hunterdon), Chief Mike Emmer (Cape May)

Burlington County’s Commitment to Autism-Friendly Practices

To further efforts at statewide implementation of autism-friendly practices, Autism New Jersey had the pleasure of presenting its Law Enforcement Initiative, spotlighting autism-friendly law enforcement practices, to Burlington County Prosecutor Lachia L. Bradshaw, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Chief of Detectives Patrick J. Thornton and the Burlington County Chiefs’ Association. Burlington County is committed to pursuing implementation of autism-friendly practices designed to increase the safety of their autism and law enforcement communities. The presentation has led to significant relationship-development and collaboration with Burlington County municipal police departments.

Pictured l to r: Chief Tim Barlow (ret.), Doreen Yanik, Burlington County Prosecutor Office Chief of Detectives Patrick J. Thornton, Burlington County Prosecutor Lachia L. Bradshaw, Burlington County Assistant Prosecutor Melissa Tirone.

Law Enforcement Advisory Committee Collaborates on Innovative Programs

The Law Enforcement Advisory Committee (LEAC) continues to meet to provide subject-matter guidance to inform the Law Enforcement Initiative’s goals of statewide adoption of autism-friendly practices. Another successful LEAC meeting included a presentation by Upper Saddle River Police Chief Patrick Rotella, USR Police Officer Anthony Pulizzano and USR teacher Julie Fallon for their presentation on the Archways Program and Project Guardian, innovative school and law enforcement programs designed to connect law enforcement and autism communities through positive interaction. The presentation on this collaborative initiative partnering the autism community and their families, schools, special needs educators and law enforcement was so well-received, that it has already been replicated in Robbinsville Township. This is another example of Autism New Jersey making a difference by sharing existing and innovative autism-friendly law enforcement practices.

Distribution of Autism-Friendly Practices for Law Enforcement Publication

We’re proud to announce the initial distribution of our Autism-Friendly Practices for Law Enforcement publication. This resource equips officers with the knowledge to better understand and respond to individuals with autism. More than 4,000 copies will be distributed to law enforcement entities across the state.

Autism New Jersey advocated for new driver’s license marker, guidance to law enforcement officersAustism New Jersey Drivers License initiative Autism New Jersey Law Enforcement Initiative Director Doreen Yanik, First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay Ruotolo, and Autism New Jersey Executive Director Dr. Suzanne Buchanan at a press conference last month, announcing a new initiative to help drivers with autism and law enforcement officers communicate better.

Autism New Jersey Law Enforcement Initiative Director Doreen Yanik, First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay Ruotolo, and Autism New Jersey Executive Director Dr. Suzanne Buchanan at a press conference last month, announcing a new initiative to help drivers with autism and law enforcement officers communicate better.

Explore our Autism-Friendly Practices for Law Enforcement publication to see how we’re supporting officers in creating safer, more inclusive communities.