Tallahassee police expand “Approach with Care” with sensory bags for autism calls

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tallahassee police officers and community service technicians will soon have a new tool aimed at making encounters safer and less stressful for people with autism and others with sensory needs.

The Tallahassee Police Department is expanding its “Approach with Care” initiative by equipping officers and community service technicians with sensory bags designed to support calmer, more effective interactions with individuals who may become overwhelmed by lights, sounds, unfamiliar environments or other sensory stimuli.

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, TPD members joined community partners to assemble the sensory bags. The bags will be given to every officer and community service technician.

Deputy Chief Jeff Mahoney, who helped spearhead the initiative and is the father of a young autistic son, said the goal is to turn understanding into action.

“Understanding is important, but what we do with that understanding matters even more,” Mahoney said. “From the beginning, Chief Revell has supported our efforts to make sure officers have the training and resources they need to better serve individuals with autism and their families. These bags are another tool that can help create a calmer, safer interaction for someone who may experience the world differently, and another step in our commitment to meeting people where they are.”

Catherine Zenko with the FSU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities said the effort can help both first responders and families.

“For families of individuals with autism, knowing that first responders are taking steps to better understand and prepare for these interactions matters,” Zenko said. “This initiative brings together training, practical resources and community collaboration in a way that can help officers feel more prepared and families feel more supported.”

The sensory bag build marks the next phase of the “Approach with Care” initiative launched earlier this year. As part of the continued effort, TPD will also provide in-person training to strengthen officers’ understanding of autism and equip them with strategies to communicate and respond more effectively.

TPD also thanked locally owned community partners Midtown Print and Whataburger for supporting the sensory bag build.