Steven McNeill, chief of police for Midland County Hospital District
Courtesy Midland Health
Midland Health proudly serves the health care needs of the community. In addition to providing an atmosphere of healing, the Midland County Hospital District Police Department serves to enhance the safety of all patients, visitors, vendors, and staff. Available 24/7, specially trained police personnel support the community with professionalism and support. Throughout the month of April, we ask everyone to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month.
The MCHD Police Department is the second law enforcement agency in the state of Texas to achieve formal recognition as a Certified Autism Center through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. This speaks volumes about the hospital police department, given there are more than 2,800 law enforcement agencies throughout Texas. Every member of the MCHD Police Department underwent specialized training through the IBCCES to develop positive approaches to community members with autism, which can include patients, visitors, or staff.
Specialized training raises awareness about autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions that can fortify stronger connections. Heightened understandings can establish a sense of relief for family members. Loved ones might be fearful of interactions with those unfamiliar with the various behaviors and coping strategies that might present in people with autism. As public servants, the MCHD Police Department stresses the importance of raising awareness to promote safer interactions.
Autism is a spectrum disorder that presents uniquely with each person and can broadly range from needing significant daily support from a caretaker to living independently. Every person with autism is individualized, which can include a diversity of strengths, challenges, and experiences. In the words of Dr. Stephen Shore, “If you meet one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”
MCHD Police Department personnel are trained to recognize strategies to provide more effective support by turning challenges into opportunities. Training of this nature focuses on recognizing common behavioral symptoms often associated with autism to mitigate escalated confrontations. Examples of these potential behavioral cues can include a lack of eye contact, sensory overstimulation and delayed responses, which can be misinterpreted as disobedience. Recognition of these social interaction indicators tailors the response for officers to use clear language, providing personal space, allowing extra time to process questions, and reducing sensory by turning off flashing lights or loud sirens.
Benefits of this specialized training improve safety by decreasing risks for the officer and the individual with autism, thereby reducing the need for an application of force. As part of an ongoing campaign of professionalism, the MCHD Police Department can make a difference by building stronger relationships with the community. This aligns with the healing mission core value of Midland Health: being continuous learners and creating an environment that supports the healing process.
