On 7 February, BAS, in collaboration with East Berkshire College, held an autism/Asperger awareness-raising session for the police of Berkshire. The need for this activity was identified at a recent meeting of the 19+ Support Group.
BAS parents, police (including custody staff, Community and Race Relations Officers, Community Partnership Co-ordinators) and other professionals from across Berkshire gathered at East Berks. College to hear Jenny Ilic, AS Co-ordinator, give a presentation on AS and autism, and outline some of the areas where people with the condition may be vulnerable.
This was followed by a discussion on ways in which we might liaise effectively in the future with the police.
The police were extremely interested to work with us, and have given us a list of police contact points for all six Unitary Authorities in Berkshire. These contacts are now on our mailing list and will regularly receive information from us, including our newsletter and other information of relevance and interest to the police. Anyone who wants to get in touch with the police contact for their area can phone the BAS office on the Helpline number for details. The police were happy for their names to be available.
NB. see Vulnerable Witnesses: A police service guide
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