SUGAR HILL — The Sugar Hill Marshal’s Office has launched a new Autism Initiative aimed at improving safety and communication between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Chief Marshal Andy Smith said the idea grew out of a simple realization: meaningful encounters begin with understanding.
“We were inspired to pursue autism awareness and response training after recognizing how easily behavior can be misunderstood,” Smith said. “Law enforcement officers often encounter situations where a person’s reactions might look like defiance or resistance, when in reality that person could be experiencing sensory overload or anxiety. We wanted to ensure our Marshals were equipped to respond with patience, compassion and the right tools.”…