Sheriff Rick Staly is launching the latest new program at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) to enhance service to the community’s special needs residents. This month, the FCSO is unveiling its new Autism Awareness initiative.

The FCSO’s commitment to service in Flagler County is something that applies to everyone. This includes helping people with autism thrive in every situation. With April being Autism Awareness Month, the FCSO will be doing its part to customize the way it responds to calls where an autistic person may be present.

It all begins with a brand new logo the FCSO has designed to help notify deputies who may be involved in a traffic stop or a call to a home, business or other location. “The logo is a sticker which can be placed on the window of your car, your home or any location where you may have a loved one with autism,” Staly said.

“This is a great tool that allows deputies to quickly become aware there may be a person with Autism and will help us partner with the community in providing special consideration and sensitivity to your loved ones.”

These stickers, along with a brochure sharing all of the details of the Autism Awareness program, will be sent to those who fill out an informational survey designed and provided by the FCSO Community Engagement Section. The answers provided in this form will collect specific information for deputies who respond to any situation where a person with autism may be on the scene. The information helps deputies know more about the uniqueness of the autistic person and can help build a communication link between the deputy and the individual.

“This is a free and voluntary database that the FCSO manages to help our Flagler County residents,” Staly added. “It will give residents who deal with the world of autism every day some peace of mind when it comes to encounters involving the men and women of the FCSO.”  All FCSO deputies already receive training on working with autistic individuals.

Residents can find the FCSO Autism Awareness web page at FlaglerSheriff.com. From the home page, simply click on “PROGRAMS” found along the top of the page and scroll down to “AUTISM AWARENESS” and click. Once there you’ll find helpful information on the program, as well as the interactive form that will ask you questions about the autistic person in your life. Those taking part in this initiative may also benefit from the FCSO Safe Trak and Wanderers programs. You can learn more about these additional tools under our Programs page too.

For more information on the Autism Awareness initiative, and other programs offered by the FCSO, contact the FCSO Community Engagement Section at: CommunityEngagement@FlaglerSheriff.com.

Media Release: Flagler County Sheriff’s Office