Police launch pilot to support neurodiverse people

The pilot involves the use of wristbands for people with neurodiversity

A police force has launched a pilot scheme in a bid to improve the way emergency services support those living with neurodiversity.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the pilot, for Cornwall, would involve the use of green wristbands knows as "neurodiversity IDs" (NDIDs).

NDIDs can be worn by individuals who are neurodivergent and provide information about the person when scanned so that responders can give them the correct help.

The aim, Devon and Cornwall Police said, was to improve communication between police officers and other emergency services and the wearer.

Police worked with The Autistic Community of Cornwall, the National Police Autism Association and the National Youth Neurodiversity Council to create the wristbands.

The bands can be scanned by first responders, caregivers and community members

The wristbands are designed to share details of a person's neurodivergence, how an individual communicates best, any medical needs and emergency contact details for next of kin.

"We know that emergency situations can sometimes be overwhelming," said PC John Holland.

"The wristbands are about putting the person at the centre of our response so we can make sure our communication and care is appropriate from the very first moment.

"We know that we haven't always got it right in the past but these wristbands offer an opportunity for us to continue to progress and improve the service we provide to our neurodiverse community."

Devon and Cornwall Police said it hoped the project would be rolled out across Devon and Cornwall if it proved to be successful.