OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – The Oshkosh Police Department is introducing sensory bags, which patrol and school resource officers can use when interacting with Autistic citizens who are experiencing a crisis.
“Patrol officers and school resource officers can use [them] when interacting with autistic citizens who are experiencing a crisis,” said Officer Kate Mann. “The sensory bag program is a proactive way for officers to have these additional items on-hand to try to calm and de-escalate the situation.”
The bags include things like a weighted blanket, a weighted eye mask, noise cancelling headphones, and a variety of sensory toys. Officers are able to present the citizen with one item at a time, and when that citizen finds an item they like, they get to keep it.
“Hopefully it will start to calm them down and move them out of the crisis so we can start to communicate and interact,” Mann said. “The more resources we have on-hand, the better. So we’re hoping that by having these additional items, it will help continue to build those strong relationships with all of our citizens.”
All of the items in the bags were provided through donations from
Walmart, a Thrivent Action Team and Relay.
If you would like to learn more about the Sensory Bags or would like to make a donation to help support the project, contact Officer Mann at (920) 236-5742 or kmann@ci.oshkosh.wi.us.
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