Interacting with the Police

An interaction with a police officer, whether during a routine stop, as a witness to an event, or in a more serious situation, can be a stressful experience for anyone. For autistic people, these encounters can carry a higher risk of misunderstanding, as differences in communication, behaviour, and sensory processing may not be immediately understood by law enforcement.

This article provides practical guidance and strategies for autistic people and their families to help prepare for and navigate interactions with the police more safely and effectively. The aim is to reduce anxiety and improve the outcomes of these encounters by empowering you with knowledge and tools for self-advocacy.

There's A Real Risk Of Misunderstanding

Why might a police officer misunderstand an autistic person's behaviour? Police are often trained to look for specific behavioural cues to assess a situation, and many of these cues are based on neurotypical norms. Autistic traits can, therefore, be easily misinterpreted.

• Difficulty with Eye Contact

  An autistic person may avoid eye contact because it is uncomfortable or overwhelming. An officer without autism training might misinterpret this as a sign of dishonesty, guilt, or evasion.

• Literal Interpretation of Language

  Autistic people often process language literally. They may struggle to understand idioms, sarcasm, or questions that are not direct. A question like, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" might be answered with a simple "No", which could be perceived as uncooperative rather than a literal and honest answer.

• Unusual Body Language or Stimming

  Under the stress of a police interaction, an autistic person is very likely to use repetitive movements (stimming), such as rocking or hand-flapping, to self-regulate. An officer might see this as suspicious behaviour, agitation, or a sign that the person is under the influence of substances.

• Sensory Overload Leading to Meltdown or Shutdown

  Police encounters are often sensorily intense, with flashing lights, loud sirens, and direct commands. This can quickly lead to sensory overload for an autistic person. Their involuntary response to this overload could be a meltdown (e.g. shouting, crying, physical actions) or a shutdown (e.g. becoming silent and unresponsive). This can be tragically mistaken for aggression, defiance, or a refusal to cooperate.

While there is a growing need for better police training in autism awareness, you can take proactive steps to help keep yourself safe.

Preparation Before an Encounter

If you know you're going to encounter the police, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself. For example:

• Carry an Autism Alert Card

  Many autism organisations produce alert cards or have information on smartphone apps. These are a discreet and simple way to non-verbally inform a police officer that you are autistic and may communicate differently or need additional support. These are available on Amazon and eBay.

• Use a "Hospital Passport"

  While designed for healthcare settings, a Hospital Passport contains essential information about your communication needs, sensory sensitivities, and what helps you when you are distressed. Keeping a copy with you can be useful in any emergency situation. (There's a free Hospital Passport maker from the Autism Info Center at passport.autisminfocenter.org).

• Practise Key Phrases

  With a trusted person, practise saying a few simple, clear phrases out loud so they come more easily under stress. This could be as simple as, "I am autistic. Please speak clearly".

During an Encounter

There are several things you can do during an encounter with the police, if it feels safe and appropriate to you at the time:

• Disclose Your Autism (if you feel safe)

  Should you tell the officer you are autistic? If you feel safe and able to do so, disclosing this can provide immediate and crucial context for your behaviour. Stating clearly, "I am autistic", or showing your alert card can change the dynamic of the entire interaction.

• Request Accommodations

  You have the right to ask for things that will help you to understand and communicate more effectively. You could say, "Please can you speak more slowly? I need time to process what you are saying", or "Could we move to a quieter area? The noise is making it hard for me to concentrate", or "Please could you write down what you need me to do?"

Knowing Your Rights: The Role of the Appropriate Adult

It is important to have a basic understanding of your rights. If you are taken to a police station for questioning and are considered vulnerable (which being autistic can be), you have the right to have an "Appropriate Adult" present.

An Appropriate Adult is not a solicitor, but a trained volunteer or family member whose role is to support you. They ensure you understand your rights, the questions being asked, and that the interview is conducted fairly. They are there to facilitate communication and safeguard your welfare. This is a key protection, and you should always ask for one if you are in this situation.

A Path to Better Understanding

Ultimately, improving interactions between the autistic community and the police requires effort from both sides. While police services must continue to improve their awareness training, autistic people can feel more empowered and safer by preparing for potential encounters.

By using tools like alert cards, practising clear communication, and knowing your rights, you can reduce the risk of misunderstanding and help ensure that any interaction you have with law enforcement is as safe and respectful as possible.