City of Ontario Police Department Becomes A Certified Autism Center™, Enhancing Services for Their Community

This certification demonstrates our commitment to providing exceptional customer service and safety for every individual we serve.”

— Mike Lorenz, Chief of Police

ONTARIO, CA, UNITED STATES, January 13, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly awards the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation to the City of Ontario Police Department. To earn this designation, the department completed a position-specific autism training and certification process. The certification includes scenario-based training designed to equip

officers and staff with essential skills for effectively understanding, communicating with, and assisting autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.

"I am proud Ontario PD is recognized as a Certified Autism Center™. This is a significant step to ensure we continue to provide compassionate, understanding, and effective service to all members of our community, to include those with autism. This certification demonstrates our commitment to providing exceptional customer service and safety for every individual we serve," says Mike Lorenz, Chief of Police.

“IBCCES is excited to partner with the City of Ontario Police Department in designating them as a Certified Autism Center™, highlighting their commitment to enhancing accessibility in their community. Their dedication to accommodating and supporting autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals sets a standard we hope will encourage other law enforcement agencies to follow suit,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman.

In addition to the autism training, Ontario PD officers are equipped with sensory kits that can be utilized in the field when they identify an individual experiencing sensory overwhelm, helping de-escalate the situation and best communicate with the autistic or sensory-sensitive individual. The sensory kits include noise-canceling headphones, sensory fidgets, and a communication passport for those who are non-speaking or have limited communication abilities. Ontario PD will soon be launching the Blue Envelope program (2025). The program is an awareness communication tool between law enforcement and community members who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, anxiety, or other conditions that may require additional accommodations or awareness during law enforcement contact. Ontario PD is a participating agency in the Safe Return program. The database will have a profile for each registered individual which will provide crucial information about behavioral considerations, medical conditions, special care instructions, a detailed description of the person, and a photo. This information minimizes law enforcement response time and maximizes search efforts.

Since 2001, IBCCES has been the leader in autism, neurodiversity, and cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES created specialized programs so staff in various industries would be more knowledgeable and other accommodations could be offered to this growing, but underserved, part of the community. IBCCES is the only credentialing board offering these types of programs, which include training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, as well as long-term support, continuous learning, and more.

IBCCES also created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, a free online resource for families looking for certified locations and professionals. Organizations listed on the site have met the criteria to be recognized as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC).