Autistic individuals are at increased risk for negative outcomes during law enforcement encounters due to communication differences, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral presentations that may be misinterpreted as defiance or threat. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) does not provide standardized Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and lacks autism‑specific instruction aligned with national evidence‑based standards. The aim of this quality improvement project is to implement a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)–led autism‑specific de‑escalation training program to improve officer recognition, communication, and response strategies during encounters with autistic individuals. A facility needs assessment, including SWOT and GAP analyses, identified gaps in officer knowledge, the absence of standardized response protocols, and opportunities to enhance disability‑informed policing. The intervention included autism recognition, sensory‑aware communication, trauma‑informed response, and evidence‑based de‑escalation strategies. Pre‑ and post‑training assessments were used to evaluate changes in officer knowledge, confidence, and behavioral intent to use nonphysical de‑escalation strategies and to avoid unnecessary restraint or backup. Findings from this project are expected to demonstrate improved officer preparedness, increased identification of autism‑related behavioral cues, and enhanced application of de‑escalation strategies. These outcomes support integrating autism‑specific training as a standard component of law enforcement education and reinforce the PMHNP’s role in interdisciplinary training and community safety initiatives.

DeAngela Kachan Francis‑Johnson, MSN, APRN, FNP‑C, PMHNP‑BC, is a dual‑certified Nurse Practitioner and the Founder/CEO of HerMind & MiniMinds, a women’s and pediatric mental health clinic in Bossier City, Louisiana. She is currently completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at 

Southeastern Louisiana University, where her scholarly work focuses on autism‑specific, trauma‑informed law enforcement training. With extensive clinical experience across family practice and psychiatric‑mental health, she is committed to advancing equitable, community‑centered care. She has led multiple advocacy initiatives supporting children with disabilities and their families and is dedicated to improving outcomes for neurodivergent individuals.