Redmond police officers now carry Mental Health Triage Kits in their patrol vehicles to better connect with small children, autistic individuals, and members of the intellectual and developmental disability community. The kits contain sensory care items.
Redmond Police Explorers assembled the kits during their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 18, at the Redmond Police Department (RPD).
“Police must quickly develop a rapport with members of our autistic and intellectually and developmentally disabled community or small children who are involved in an emergency or crisis or taken into protective custody. The sensory care items help them interact and connect with our officers,” Police Chief Darrell Lowe said.
Detectives will also have kits available in their cars and office. The bags include coloring books, crayons, soft stuffed animals, stress balls, fidget spinners, glow sticks, and noise-canceling headsets.
Earlier this year, RPD, in partnership with the Redmond Police Foundation, started a “Care Closet” with sensory items and other youth-focused necessities. The Explorers assembled the kits to ensure accessibility for officers during calls for service.
Redmond Police Department was designated a Certified Autism Center™ last October. The training completed by the department enhances officers’ ability to assist and communicate with autistic or sensory-sensitive community members.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jill Green, Public Information Officer
jgreen@redmond.gov
425-556-2627