New awareness course for police

Police officers are to pilot a new training programme to increase
their awareness of disability issues and avoid potential
confrontations.

Up to 100 London officers are to undertake the one-day course in
November. The course will focus on giving practical tips on the
needs and characteristics of disabled people. If effective, the
training course could be rolled out across the capital.

Speaking at last week’s Disabilities Trust conference on autism,
Metropolitan Police chief inspector Perry Gwillim said there was no
mandatory police training on autism.

Gwillim, who has an eight-year-old autistic son, said disability
training should be given greater priority across the whole force.
“It will help if patrol officers are aware of what they need to
consider when encountering people with special needs.”