SUGAR HILL — The Sugar Hill Marshal’s Office has launched a new Autism Initiative aimed at improving safety and communication between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum.
Chief Marshal Andy Smith said the idea grew out of a simple realization: meaningful encounters begin with understanding.
“We were inspired to pursue autism awareness and response training after recognizing how easily behavior can be misunderstood,” Smith said. “Law enforcement officers often encounter situations where a person’s reactions might look like defiance or resistance, when in reality that person could be experiencing sensory overload or anxiety. We wanted to ensure our Marshals were equipped to respond with patience, compassion and the right tools.”
All nine full-time and two reserve Marshals recently completed Autism Awareness and Response Training provided by Spectrum Autism Support, a Duluth-based nonprofit that specializes in educating first responders. The training was conducted by Shawnette Good and emphasized recognizing signs of autism, understanding sensory sensitivities, and using communication strategies that de-escalate rather than intensify tense situations.
Marshals participated in hands-on exercises using noise-canceling headphones and tactile gloves to simulate sensory overload. Scenario-based drills allowed them to practice calm questioning, controlled tone, and non-threatening body language.
“This training gives our Marshals the ability to slow down, assess situations carefully and respond in ways that meet the individual’s needs,” Smith explained. “By making autism response a training priority, we’re taking steps to ensure safer, more positive outcomes for everyone involved.”
As part of the initiative, residents can now obtain communication cards designed to assist individuals with autism during traffic stops or other encounters where speaking may be difficult. The cards allow users to write information or point to pictures to communicate basic details such as name or comfort needs.
The Marshal’s Office also offers autism-awareness stickers for vehicles and residences. These serve as visual cues alerting first responders that someone with autism may be present, allowing officers to adjust their approach immediately.
“One of the most common misunderstandings is mistaking a lack of eye contact, delayed responses or repetitive movements as signs of intoxication or non-compliance,” Smith said. “This training bridges those gaps in understanding and helps ensure our officers interpret behavior correctly.”
To further support sensory-friendly responses, patrol vehicles now carry autism response bags containing noise-canceling headphones, dry-erase boards, fidget tools and visual aids to help calm individuals in crisis.
The Marshal’s Office will continue its outreach through community events featuring a sensory-friendly hour. During that time, sirens and lights will be turned off, quiet zones will be available, and families will be invited to explore emergency vehicles at their own pace.
“These events build trust by showing that law enforcement genuinely cares about every member of our community,” Smith said. “By creating inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces, we’re sending a message that our Marshals are here to understand, support and protect, not to intimidate.”
Residents can download the communication cards at www.cityofsugarhill.com under Public Safety, or pick them up at the Marshal’s Office. Samples of the cards and stickers are posted on the Sugar Hill Marshal’s Office Facebook page.
