Tallahassee Police Launches Approach with Care Autism Awareness Initiative

July 22, 2026

The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) is proud to announce the launch of the Approach with Care Autism Awareness Initiative, a community partnership focused on increasing autism awareness and helping create safer interactions between law enforcement officers and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder, making autism one of the most common developmental disabilities nationwide. As autism diagnoses continue to increase, TPD continues to prioritize ensuring officers receive the training, resources, and community partnerships needed to better serve every member of the Tallahassee community.

As part of the initiative, families and autistic adults can receive a free vehicle decal that discreetly alerts first responders that someone inside the vehicle may be on the autism spectrum. The decal serves as an additional communication tool, giving officers important context before an interaction begins.

For many individuals with autism, emergency situations can be overwhelming. Delayed responses, sensory sensitivities, or difficulty processing verbal instructions may be characteristics of autism rather than signs of noncompliance.

"Every interaction between an officer and a member of the public is an opportunity to build trust," said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. "Initiatives like Approach with Care help us better understand the needs of the people we serve so we can respond with greater awareness while continuing to keep our community safe. We are grateful to our community partners for helping make this initiative possible and for their continued commitment to the families of Tallahassee and Leon County."

Community partners include:

• Florida State University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FSU CARD)
• Leon County Schools
• Behavioral Management Consultants (BMC)
• Cayer Behavioral Group
• Children's Home Society Early Steps
• MidTown Print

FSU CARD is honored to partner with TPD on this important initiative. Giving the law enforcement officers a visual cue to alert them that the vehicle they are approaching may have a passenger with autism, allows the officer to shift their mindset before initiating any interaction. This decal in combination with autism education for law enforcement officers, sets the officers and the community members up for success during potentially stressful situations,” said Catherine Zenko, Director of FSU CARD.

Approach With Care decals are available at no cost through TPD's Community Relations Unit, Florida State University CARD, Leon County Schools through Exceptional Student Education teachers and MidTown Print. To request a decal from TPD, community members can visit police headquarters at 234 E. Seventh Ave., call 850-891-4200 and ask for the Community Relations Unit, or email tpdcpu@talgov.com.