"Innovation in the Burg" 12-22-19

St. Pete Police, Johns Hopkins All Children's team up to help officers recognize autism spectrum disorder, learn de-escalation tactics

On this episode of Innovation in the 'Burg, Alison and guests dive into Johns Hopkins All Childrens' Autism Training Program. Johns Hopkins All Children's Dr. Lauren Gardner and St. Pete Police Department's Officer Carla Ramos share their perspectives on the innovative program that has helped train 330 officers from 22 departments in 2019 alone. The program trains officers throughout Florida to recognize the signs and symptoms of autism and to de-escalate crisis situations that could occur. It prevents wrongful arrests and Baker Acts through a single-day training including an interactive workshop in the morning and an optional simulation training with live actors. #StPeteCatalyst #Innovation #StPete #StPeteFL #Sunshineshere #RadioStPete #RadioStPete.com