An alert card and passport scheme aimed at improving how police interact with autistic people has been introduced across London.

The scheme is a joint project between the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police and British Transport Police, and is endorsed by the National Police Autism Association. It was developed following extensive consultations with autistic individuals and their parents, the National Autistic Society, Autism Partnership Boards and other partner agencies.

The cards will alert officers to the fact that the individual may have difficulty with communication and may exhibit unusual or unpredictable behaviour. In turn, officers will be able to adjust their communication style to interact with the individual appropriately. The card also details how autism can present, and provides practical advice for the officer involved.

The scheme was funded by the MPS under the Proceeds of Crime Act, using cash and assets confiscated from criminals.

The alert cards, and larger ‘passports’ carrying the same information, will be distributed and made available through autistic partnership boards and local police across the capital.

For more information about the scheme and how to obtain a card, email autism@met.police.uk

The NPAA would like to extend our thanks to the Forces involved, and to independent autism consultant Amanda Gibbs for including us in this project.