Autism Safety Training and Resources

As the city of Raleigh continues to grow, the Raleigh Police Department recognizes the importance of addressing the needs of all its citizens, including those who are autistic. According to data from the Autism Society of North Carolina, 5.4 million adults in the U.S. have autism spectrum disorder, and 40,000 individuals and their families receive direct services annually in our state alone. Many of these families call Wake County and Raleigh, NC, home, and we want to ensure that we are responsive to their needs.

Law Enforcement and Autism

Officers may encounter individuals on the autism spectrum who communicate, process information, or respond to stress differently than expected. In some situations, a person may be non-verbal, have delayed responses, avoid eye contact, struggle to answer questions, or communicate through gestures or repetition. Under stress, some individuals may appear unresponsive or unable to explain themselves clearly when they are actually experiencing communication or processing difficulties. Recognizing these differences can help officers slow interactions down when safe to do so, improve communication, and reduce the risk of misunderstanding during encounters.

Autism Safety Training

In January 2026, 469 sworn officers and more than 40 professional staff members from the Raleigh Police Department participated in specialized autism safety training led by Dustin Chandler, President and Co-Founder of the Interaction Advisory Group. This training was funded by a grant from the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD).

The training focuses on equipping personnel with the tools and awareness needed to recognize and respond effectively to individuals on the autism spectrum. Through real-world scenarios and community-informed instruction, participants gain insights into effective communication techniques, de-escalation strategies, and sensory considerations that may impact interactions.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in fostering trust and understanding between law enforcement and the autism community.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Thanks to a grant from NCCDD, our department will be offering free training classes for community members and caregivers. These classes will focus on best practices to help individuals with autism interact effectively with law enforcement. To stay updated on these free classes and learn how to register, be sure to follow us on all our social media channels.

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RPD & Autism Awareness in the News

Learn more about how RPD is strengthening its relationship with the autism community.

• RPD Hosts Pancakes with Police for Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month
• RPD Expands Autism Safety Training Through New Community Partnership