Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Launches Autism Emergency Program

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) has launched the Occupant with Autism Program, a new initiative designed to improve emergency responses for residents with autism. The program offers free decals for homes, providing a visual alert for deputies responding to incidents.

These decals inform deputies to utilize their specialized autism training when encountering individuals who may not respond to verbal commands. Participation is voluntary. Residents can also register their address to be flagged in the dispatch system without displaying a decal.

To enroll, community members must complete an online registration form. Following registration, residents can collect their decal at their local sheriff's district station with their email confirmation. The MDSO notes that participation does not establish a special relationship or a specific duty of care to the participant.

The program aims to ensure deputies arriving at a scene are aware of residents with autism, allowing them to approach situations with understanding and appropriate techniques. Residents can find more information and register on the MDSO website or by contacting the Community Affairs Bureau. A video explaining the program is also available.