Families and advocates urge mandatory in‑service autism training for police, beyond academy requirement

Multiple family members, advocates and adults with autism testified to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security in support of legislation that would require in‑service training for police officers on interacting with people on the autism spectrum.

What witnesses said: Jonathan Garner, Sam (full name in transcript), and others described personal encounters and near‑misses and urged lawmakers that training save lives. Jonathan Garner, who provides trainings and recently presented to a Beverly Police crisis intervention team, said officers “were respectful, eager to learn, and asked great questions,” and argued that every department should receive the same instruction. Sam described a law‑enforcement encounter where a blue identification envelope helped de‑escalate a traffic stop, saying he keeps a state police blow envelope in his car to notify officers he has autism when standard verbal communication is difficult.

Existing law and gap: Witnesses and advocates noted the 2021 police reform law required academy training for new officers but does not mandate in‑service training for veteran officers. Christine Hubbard and Maura Sullivan (Arc of Massachusetts) testified the absence of required continuing training leaves veterans without updated methods for de‑escalation and identification that can prevent tragic outcomes.

Discussion vs. action: Sponsors and supporters asked the committee to report the bill out favorably. The transcript contains strong personal testimony but no formal committee action was recorded during the hearing segment.

Ending: Advocates asked for prompt legislative action so that in‑service training becomes a standard part of police practice statewide.