Pikeville Police Department teams up with local organization for Autism Awareness Month

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) - April is Autism Awareness Month and one Pike County police department is taking part in the movement in a big way.

Officials with the Pikeville Police Department say they are excited about the custom temporary patches to their cruisers, which were added last week. But the details go beyond the decal.

The department is also teaming up with the Appalachian Valley Autism Center in Pikeville to purchase Carter Kits, which are sensory bags that contain items to help officers comfort any kids with the diagnosis they may come across in the future.

People who live in Pikeville who have a person with autism in their home are also encouraged to come by the station to get one of the custom placards to put somewhere responding officers will see it to let them know what to expect and prepare their training before engaging.

The officers hope to add special patches to their uniforms for next year’s awareness month, saying it is all about being available to all of the people in the community.

If interested in a placard, you can reach out to the department by calling (606)437-5111 or send them a message on Facebook.

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