In April 2022, the Gilbert Police Department achieved the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation, a certification awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to organizations that have trained 80% or more of public-facing team members in how to communicate with and respond to autistic community members. 

In March 2023, the Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department earned the Certified Autism Center designation after fire personnel completed the IBCCES Autism training.

The Law Enforcement program provided by IBCCES covers topics such as common signs or behaviors that someone may be autistic, empathy and understanding, sensory sensitivities, communication tips, safety concerns such as elopement and drowning, and other scenario-based best practices. To learn more, visit certifiedautismcenter.com

Together, Gilbert PD and Gilbert Fire & Rescue are involved in hosting community events such as the Sensory Awareness Family Events (S.A.F.E) at local grocery stores that allow families with loved ones on the Autism spectrum to experience a calmer shopping environment by limiting store music and announcements. Follow Gilbert PD and Gilbert Fire & Rescue on social media to keep up with the latest events!

  Resources 

• Register for Gilbert PD's Bring Me Home Program 
• Gilbert Parks and Recreation Autism Certification
• CDC Autism Spectrum Disorder in Arizona
• Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) 
• AHCCCS signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder