LAPD & The Autism Society Of Los Angeles Bring You “Mission Possible” NA14175sm

October 6, 2014

WHAT:
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Autism Society of Los Angeles (ASLA) will bring together more than 100 LAPD officers and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by experiencing hands-on activities.

WHEN:
Thursday, October 9, 2014
10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
The California Endowment
1000 North  Alameda Street
Los Angeles, Ca 90012

WHO:
LAPD Chief of Police Charlie Beck
LAPD Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur
LAPD Deputy Chief Jose Perez
LAPD Doctor Luann Pannell
LASPD Chief Steven Zipperman
City of Lynwood Director of Public Relations Rosie Carrillo
Various councilmembers from various districts will be attending

DETAILS:
The LAPD has invited 100 students with autism and related disorders from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the community at large. Each student will be paired with an officer at four interactive safety stations to learn crucial safety skills, including asking for help and following instructions. Students will have the chance to get into a police car and ambulance to get familiar with the equipment, and overcome any fears associated with law enforcement.

One in 68 children is currently diagnosed with autism. Children with autism are growing up; 50,000 turn 18 every year. With all the tragic news incidents of special needs individuals having disastrous outcomes during police interactions, safety cannot be left to chance. MISSION POSSIBLE is a model for the nation with an invaluable impact. It advances mutual awareness between the police and students, and promotes safety for individuals with ASD, the police and the community at large.

The goal is to help both groups feel more comfortable and prepared for an unexpected encounter. Officers can better understand and meet the needs of individuals with ASD. Students get the chance to build a personal relationship with a police officer while learning how to be safe.
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This is the final of four MISSION POSSIBLE events made possible by supporters including the Motorola Solutions Foundation, The Los Angeles Police Foundation, The Parker Foundation, The California Wellness Foundation, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and The Los Angeles Police Autism Support Group.  For additional information, visit www.autismLA.org.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions. With employees located around the globe, Motorola Solutions seeks to benefit the communities where it operates. The company achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships and fostering innovation. The Motorola Solutions Foundation focuses its funding on public safety, disaster relief, employee programs and education, especially science, technology, engineering and math programming.  For more information on Motorola Solutions Corporate and Foundation giving, visit www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation.

Interview and photo opportunities will be available with Dr. Luann Pannell, Director of Police Training and Education for the LAPD; Autism safety expert and MISSION POSSIBLE activities creator Emily Iland; and Lieutenant Stacey Spell, LAPD and President of The Los Angeles Police Autism Support Group. LAPD officers, sheriff’s deputies and students will also be on hand.

This event is not open to the public. If interested in attending please contact Nikki Pesusich at nikki@coteriemedia.com or (818) 788-7650 or Fable McDonald at Fable@BeSafeTheMovie.com or (661)524-5423.