During a class on Policing last Fall, Abington Township Police Officer Michael Jones spoke about the different aspects of being a Law Enforcement Officer.
Within his conversation, Jones talked about working with children who may have been victims or witnesses of a crime, and specialized training involving interactions with neurodiverse adults and children.
Jones mentioned how, in his vehicle, he keeps a special kit for those situations: a bag filled with sunglasses, a whiteboard for communication, bubbles, stickers, and more. Struck by the officer’s care for those he works with, Manor College student Lauren Brown took action.
Brown organized several students and staffers at Manor College, secured funds, and made packs for all officers in the Abington Police Department.
“Officer Mike mentioned how he had one, but not everyone did, so I figured we’d make them to help officers in Abington,” Brown said.
In total, Brown and her group made 85 kits for the Abington Police Department, which serves Manor College and the surrounding area.
“This project and idea were solely from Lauren,” Leslie Maxwell, a Professor at Manor College who teaches Policing, said. “I am enormously proud of Lauren. This is certainly special.”
Jones and his K-9 partner Shadow picked up the bags from Manor College on Monday, April 27. Brown, a senior Criminal Justice student at Manor College, called Officer Jones an inspiration. Brown, whose father serves as a lieutenant in the Philadelphia Police Department, hopes to become a Police Officer following graduation.
“I wanted to do it because there are a lot of incidents involving police and citizens with autism,” Brown said. “It’s better to spread awareness and help Police Officers with resources instead of sitting back and watching.”
Learn more about Manor College and how the Jenkintown-based campus offers career-focused programs, small class sizes, and a close-knit community, preparing students for success through personalized education and hands-on experience.
