The Bourbonnais Police Department is proud to announce the launch of its new Autism/Special Needs Awareness Program, an initiative designed to enhance public safety and improve emergency response for residents with autism and other special needs.
The program promotes Village of Bourbonnais residents to voluntarily provide important information to emergency responders so officers are better prepared when responding to calls involving individuals who may have difficulty communicating, responding to verbal commands or recognizing danger. Having this information in advance helps officers tailor their response to ensure safer, more effective interactions for everyone involved.
“The safety of all our residents remains a top priority for the Bourbonnais Police Department,” said Chief of Police David Morefield. “The Autism and Special Needs Awareness Program allows our officers to respond with greater awareness, understanding and compassion, helping ensure safer outcomes for individuals with special needs, their families and our officers.”
Individuals with autism or other special needs may not speak, comply with verbal commands, understand potentially dangerous situations or may wander or hide during emergencies. This program helps first responders draw on their training with an increased understanding of the individual’s needs before making contact.
The Autism/Special Needs Awareness Program may be beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, auditory processing disorder, intellectual or developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions that impact communication or behavior in emergency situations.
Enrollment in the program includes completing an application and waiver form available online at villageofbourbonnais.com or in person at the police station at 700 Main St. NW.
Once registered, KanComm — Kankakee County Communications Center emergency dispatch — will flag the participating address in its alert system with a brief description of the individual’s special needs. This information will be shared with first responders if a call for service is received at the residence.
As part of the program, the Bourbonnais Police Department will provide free decals to enrolled residents. Decals may be placed near the front door of a residence and/or on the rear window of a vehicle to help officers and other first responders quickly identify the presence of an individual with special needs.
