Home / Crime and Justice / Police Use Sensory Bag to Calm Autistic Child
Police Use Sensory Bag to Calm Autistic Child
1 Aug
Summary
- Officers recognized an autistic child in crisis, not an assault.
- Specialized training enabled officers to de-escalate the situation calmly.
- Sensory kits with fidget toys helped the child regulate and connect.
In Salt Lake City, Utah, police officers responded to a call concerning an assault on an elderly woman. However, upon arrival, they quickly identified the situation as a child with autism experiencing a crisis. Officers involved had undergone specialized training from KultureCity®, which focuses on responding to individuals in mental health and developmental crises.
Due to their training, the officers adjusted their approach, opting for a calm, de-escalation strategy. They utilized sensory kits, which contain items like fidget toys, to help the child reduce sensory overload and improve communication. The child, initially agitated, began to calm down while interacting with the sensory items and eventually engaged positively with the officers, even offering a high-five.
Viewers of the body camera footage praised the officers' handling of the situation, emphasizing the effectiveness of their training and the use of sensory tools. The incident highlighted how specialized police training can lead to safer outcomes for vulnerable individuals and their caregivers during stressful encounters.
