Elgin Police unveiled a new interactive autism awareness squad car that helps people with autism when interacting with officers.
The squad has a wrap that features images, numbers, and letters based on the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). It’s a system developed in 1985 that helps nonverbal people communicate.
“When they look at this car, these are all things they’ve been using their entire lives for communicating. (It’s) a way to get their needs across,” Elgin Police Detective Chad Benavidez said.
PECS is typically used on an electronic device, but EPD carefully chose which images to use on the wrap, said Benavidez, who is a special engagement detective with the Collaborative Crisis Services Unit and works with people with disabilities, autistic individuals, and seniors.
One image represents someone who is hurt. Another image shows someone who needs water. The words “yes” and “no” are also on the squad. Benavidez said those with autism can use the letters to spell out a message to police or use the numbers to give officers their phone number.
“We had to narrow them (images) down to some of the ones we see being used for police most often,” Benavidez said.
The idea of using PECS on a squad car came from Autism Hero Project founder and CEO Tamika Lechee Morales. The Autism Hero Project is a nonprofit that helps families with autistic children with medical resources, insurance advocacy, and therapy.
Benavidez said Morales had never seen PECS used that way. “She brought the idea to us, and we brought it to life for her,” he said.
Morales, who spoke at the April 8 city council meeting, said it’s the first interactive vehicle in the country.
“It’s something built with intention, with purpose, and with real-world impact. A vehicle that prepares, teaches, and creates safe outcomes in real-life interactions.” Morales said.
The wrap is new this year, but EPD has several tools, including specialized training, to use when responding to calls involving those with autism.
It’s one of several tools, including specialized training, available to Elgin police.
Another is the Blue Envelope program, which it launched last year.
Police pass out blue envelopes to families with autistic children or adults to put a copy of a driver’s license and insurance card to help reduce their anxiety if pulled over for a traffic stop. The envelope includes a bumper sticker and allows families to list any potential triggers the person may have, like sirens or lights, Benavidez said.
The driver or passenger can just hand the envelope to the officer and “essentially have an entire traffic stop without talking,” Benavidez said. It also helps an officer safely interact with the person, he said.
The Blue Envelope Program and all the tools EPD provides give the officers peace of mind. They feel more confident. When they are confident, they make better decisions. You get better outcomes with better decisions, Benavidez said, which can lead to improved overall well-being and satisfaction for individuals and families involved.
Families also have peace of mind, he said.
Morales said the Blue Envelope Program is on track to becoming a state law. It was passed by the Illinois House Wednesday. It needs to be approved by the State Senate and signed by Gov. JB Pritzker.
EPD has been a forerunner in creating initiatives in reaching out to autistic individuals and their families.
Benavidez created the RISE program at Judson University for people with intellectual disabilities to live independently. He is also involved in the police department’s Safe Together Academy, a police academy for people with disabilities, including autism.
Enrollment for the Safe Together Academy is going on now, and classes start in May.
The department has also teamed with the Autism Hero Project for Autism Heroes Unite. The sixth annual celebration is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Elgin Police Station, 151 Douglas Ave.
Autism Heroes Unite has vendors, like realtors and therapeutic day schools, activities, demonstrations, raffles, and giveaways.
At last week’s city council meeting, Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain read a proclamation in honor of Autism Acceptance Month.
Morales, a former School District U-46 teacher, started the foundation after her son’s 2015 diagnosis.
“It was in that moment my world changed and my purpose,” Morales said at the council meeting. “What I didn’t know then was the city, this city, would become part of the purpose in more ways than I could ever imagine.”
“Elgin didn’t just welcome the Autism Hero Project; you embraced us,” said Morales, who thanked Police Chief Ana Lalley, Benavidez, other officers, State Sen. Cristina Castro, and city council members. “Together, we created something that will live far beyond this moment, created with purpose.”
“The Autism Hero Project is who we are, but Elgin is part of our heartbeat,” Morales said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
