CPD Marks Autism Acceptance Month During April

As we move on from April which is widely recognized as Autism Acceptance Month the Cambridge Police Department wanted to highlight some of what we do to support those living with autism in our community. Autism is something that touches our department closely, with many officers having folks who live with autism in their circle of family and friends. While April is the month to highlight acceptance and bring awareness, at CPD it is something we strive for year-round.

• This April, our officers who are part of the Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association (CPPOA) debuted their new Autism Acceptance Patch as part of their Charity Patch Series of commemorative Cambridge Police Patches. Patches ($10) and Stickers ($5) were sold internally during April, they are now being offered to members of the community while supplies last. All proceeds will be donated to charities benefiting those living with autism. For more information on the program visit the CPPOA Website or send them an E-Mail at charitypatches@cppoa1969.org

• During the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Annual In-Service Training Program for 2025 which is completed by all officers there was a block of instruction hosted by the Autism Law Enforcement Coalition (ALEC) that sought to enhance understanding and improve interactions. Additional training programs that have been offered department-wide at CPD and at the Cambridge-Northeastern Academy in recent years have included autism familiarization as part of the curriculum.

• On April 23^rd the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Building, which is home to the Emergency Communications Department and our department headquarters, played host to the City of Cambridge’s Science of Public Safety Touch-A-Truck Event. This event, which has become an annual tradition during what is commonly the April school break week, seeks to provide our youngest community members with an up-close look at some of the jobs that help keep our community safe. The various agencies involved brought not only vehicles large and small, but other interactive exhibits. In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month this was a sensory-friendly event. Click here for more information on this event.