doc_2661098

WINDERMERE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide fair treatment to individuals with autism or an autism spectrum disorder and to comply with FS 943.0439 . 2. Policy It shall be the policy of the Windermere Police Department, upon the request of an individual, who is a victim, suspect, or defendant, diagnosed with autism or an autism spectrum disorder or his or her parent or guardian, the Agency shall make a good faith effort to ensure that a professional is present at all interviews of the individuals. [15.18M] 3. Definitions A. Autism – A pervasive, neurologically based developmental disability of extended duration which causes severe learning , communication, and behavior disorders with age of onset during infancy or childhood. Individuals with autism exhibit impairment in reciprocal social interaction, impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication and imaginative ability, and a markedly restricted repertoire o f activities and interests. B. Developmental Disability – A disorder or syndrome that is attributable to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, or Prader -Willie syndrome; that manifests before the age of 18; and that constitutes a sub stantial handicap that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely. Effective Date: October 8, 2022  Rescinds Amends New Policy Number: 6.15 SUBJECT : Autism Interviews Print Date: 10/08/22 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: October 6.15 , Page 2 C. Autism Spectrum Disorder – Any of the following disorders as defined in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association: 1. Autistic disorder 2. Asperger’s syndrome 3. Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. D. Professional – Psychiatrist, psychologist, mental health counselor, special education instructor, clinical social worker, or related professional. The professional must have experience treating, teaching, or assisting patients or clients who have been diagnosed with autism or an autism spectrum disorder, or related developmental disability, or must be certified in special ed ucation with a concentration focused on persons with autism or an autism spectrum disorder. 4. Procedures A. Identification Cards for Individuals with a Developmental Disability Effective October 1, 2016, upon request of a person who has a developmental disability, or by a parent or guardian of a child or ward who has a developmental disability, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FS 322.051) shall issue an identification card exhibiting a capital “D” for the person, child, or ward if t he person or the parent or guardi an of the child or ward submits: 1. Payment of an additional $1 fee; and 2. Proof acceptable to the department of a diagnosis by a licensed physician of a developmental disability as defined in FS 393.063 . B. Procedure for Requestin g a Professional When an individual who is a victim, suspect, or defendant diagnosed with autism or an autism spectrum disorder or his or her parent or guardian request a professional be present at all interviews, the interviewing officer shall t ake the following steps: 1. Advise the individual making the request for a professional that all expenses related to the attendance of the professional at the interview shall be borne by the requesting individual. If the individual making the request for a professional is a victim, upon conviction of the offense in which the 6.15 , Page 3 individual is a victim, the defendant shall reimburse the victim for all expenses related to the attendance of the professional at the interview as part of restitution. 2. Ask the individual making the request f or a professional if they have a particular professional he or she would like to request, or knows of a professional who may be requested. If so, obtain the professional’s contact information and contact the professional for assistance. The individual making the request for a professional may contact the professional directly if that is his or her preference. 3. If the individual making the request does not have or know of a particular professional to contact, the interviewing officer or designee shall c ontact the following to seek assistance: a. Florida Autism Center located at 791 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, phone number (407) 413 -9550. b. Central Florida Autism Resource, located a t 1650 W. Sand Lake Road, Suite 235, Orlando, Florida 32809, business hours phone number (407) 855 -0235, and (407) 616 -6201 for after hours. 4. The interviewing officer or designee shall document all attempts to obtain a qualified professional for the interview. 5. If after all know n sources for a professio nal have been exhausted and a good faith effort has been made to locate a professional and all attempts were unsuccessful, the interviewing officer may begin an interview without a professional present. C. Training The Windermere Police Department shall conduct initial, and periodic training in procedures for interviews of individuals with Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder. (943.172 7) ________________________ Chief David A. Ogden