Protect autistic people from fatal encounters with law enforcement!

When police opened fire and killed Victor Perez, the autistic, nonverbal 17-year-old with cerebral palsy was experiencing a mental health crisis.

The tragic shooting took place in Pocatello, Idaho.

This tragedy has renewed urgent calls for police training and reform. This death could have been prevented. Instead of being met with trained care, Victor was met with deadly force.

Research shows that people with autism and other developmental disabilities are more likely than others to have contact with the police.

Yet autism affects 1 in 36 children nationwide, and encounters between police and individuals with autism can easily escalate without proper understanding and protocols.

At least 12 states already require law enforcement officers to receive training on how to interact with people on the autism spectrum.

Idaho is not one of them.

It remains unclear whether the officers involved had received any autism-specific training. But what is clear is that Idaho law currently doesn’t require it.
 
We call on Idaho lawmakers to introduce and pass legislation mandating police training on autism spectrum disorder.

No family should have to mourn a child because of a preventable lack of training and knowledge in the police force. 

Add your name. Demand Idaho take action now.