An alert card and passport scheme aimed at improving how police interact with autistic people have been introduced across London. The scheme is a joint project between the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police and British Transport Police, and is endorsed by the National Police Autism Association.

The cards will alert officers to the fact that the individual may have difficulty with communication and may exhibit unusual or unpredictable behavior. In turn, officers will be able to adjust their communication style to interact with the individual appropriately. The card also details how autism can present and provides practical advice for the officer involved. For more information about the scheme and how to obtain a card, email autism@met.police.uk.