09/03/2026
We had our first Friend Responders of the 2026-27 school year earlier this week. Our friends and community partners at Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida, Inc. graciously agreed to host.
In partnership with ATC "Transition Into Employment" Programs, and UM-NSU CARD, Friend Responders helps young adults on the Autism Spectrum by improving their one-on-one communication skills. It assists them with everything from asking for help finding an item at the grocery store to sitting for a job interview.
Each officer talks to a different student for seven minutes. Icebreaker questions are provided to get the conversation started.
It's beneficial for our officers because it puts them in front of these young people with unique challenges in a very safe, friendly environment. They can learn how these folks like to communicate, which can only help them when they meet similar people out in the field.
The Friend Responders Program is the reigning award winner by the Florida Police Chiefs Association, (FPCA) for innovation in community policing.
It's an initiative where everybody's a winner! For highlights, check out the photo album below.
