Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office is implementing a new program to support persons on the Autism Spectrum.

On April 26, 2024, the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office will begin the Autism Safety Program. This program will require that a person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to obtain a written diagnoses from their doctor on letterhead. This letter will then be brought to the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office where it will be submitted with an application. Once this process is complete, there will be a decal issued intended to be place on the rear window of the vehicle that is used to transport the applicant or the vehicle being driven by the applicant. Also, a decal will be given to display at the residence of the applicant. This decal will serve a notification to our deputies of the communication concerns that may arise. An autism ID card will also be issued to the applicant at the time the decal is issued.

Sheriff Charles R. Guillory hopes to include our law enforcement partners within the parish in this extremely important issue for safety. Sheriff Guillory hopes this will alert law enforcement to the communication issues and help avoid the deputy from misunderstanding a person on the autism spectrum actions.  Sheriff Guillory would like the citizens to know that all Patrolmen receive training on autism through POST (Peace Officer Standardized Training) course.

Sheriff Guillory states that this will be a huge benefit to our community and department. It will help to generate awareness. "I am honored to share this program with the community and our first responders." Sheriff Guillory stated in conclusion. If you are interested, please come to the Sheriff's Office at 415 W Cotton St to begin the process.