Stand Down Day will be held Saturday in Lansford – Times News Online
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NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Community gathers in Jim Thorpe – Times News Online
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In the fourth virtual meeting to address criminal justice reform for Pennsylvanians with Autism, a Lycoming County woman and parent of a person with autism, spoke candidly about her experiences and provided suggestions for change in protocols in the courtroom and with law enforcement.
Shelly Mattie, of Montoursville, said that her son, Connor, who was
diagnosed with autism when he was three, has had two negative incidents with police officers while experiencing a “meltdown.”
“An individual with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is seven times more likely to have police interaction than their peers,” said Mattie.
“Autism is not a disability, it is a different ability,” said Justice Kevin Dougherty of the state Supreme Court. “Services and support are the answer, incarceration is not. We need to make change throughout Pennsylvania. If we change the way we look at things, the things we look at will change.”
A mental health call placed by Christian Hall in Dec. ended in a fatal shooting
Local law enforcement engage in various mental health preparedness training exercises
Some experts and activists say more training, access to treatment is necessary
Editor s note: Over the next several weeks, reporters from the Pocono Record will be examining the impact of gun violence in Monroe County and the Poconos for a series of stories. Read the last installment: The details matter: A look at the Castle Doctrine and how it works
Pennsylvania State Police responded to a call about a possibly suicidal person standing on a Route 80 overpass in Bartonsville on Dec. 30.