Watch: Police in Montgomery County, Md. Pioneer Outreach for Neurodiverse Individuals

By Catherine Dorrough

Over the past 15 years, there has been an uptick in law enforcement service calls involving individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.

During Equipped 2021, officers Laurie Reyes and Tara Bond provided an overview of what is now known as the Montgomery County Police Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Alzheimer's, Dementia Outreach Program. Implemented by Officer Reyes in 2005, the program provides Montgomery County, Md. police and surrounding agencies with tools to ensure that interactions are effective and safe for all involved.

“We’ve created, myself and Tara, what we like to call a culture of awareness,” said Reyes. “So when officers respond, they’re not only responding with good training and experience, we say that oftentimes they’re really responding with their heart. They go above and beyond to include our individuals on the spectrum.”

She continued: “One thing that we’re super proud of is our partnership with the Montgomery County School System. So, we get the opportunity to present to individuals who have autism about keeping safe in the community. What they should do if they contact a police officer… What do you do if an officer approaches you?

“Myself and Tara went over with them about staying put, keeping your hands where we can see them, disclosing your disability.”

Watch the clip below for more on how officers Bond and Reyes have brought their program to area schools.