Key takeaways
- Sensory-friendly police events help departments connect with neurodiverse individuals in a calm, inclusive setting — building trust before emergencies occur
- Inclusive police outreach strategies, like quiet hours and chill-out zones, reduce overstimulation and support positive community engagement
- Neurodiversity and law enforcement training ensures officers understand how to interact effectively with individuals with autism, ADHD, PTSD and related conditions
- Community policing for individuals with sensory processing challenges strengthens long-term relationships and prepares departments to respond more effectively in future crisis situations
By Dr. Stephanie Zoltowski-Siordia
Community engagement events are a staple in most police departments. You’ve got the cruisers lined up, sirens ready, K-9 demos on deck, and officers in full uniform shaking hands and handing out stickers. But for families with children or adults who have sensory processing challenges, those “fun” activities can feel like an all-out assault on the senses. That’s the hard truth: Most traditional police open houses are unintentionally overwhelming — and, in some cases, even traumatizing — for the very people we need to build relationships with the most.
So what’s the solution? Sensory-friendly open houses. Not just a nice-to-have initiative, these events are an essential part of equitable community outreach. They give individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families a chance to interact with law enforcement in a calm, welcoming environment — one where they can actually engage instead of retreat. This isn’t about being politically correct or jumping on a trend. It’s about making sure every member of your community has access to your department — not just during a crisis, but before one ever happens.
Why sensory-friendly matters
Let’s start with a quick primer: Sensory processing challenges occur when the brain has difficulty managing incoming information from the senses — light, sound, touch, movement, even smell. This can lead to overload, anxiety, shutdowns, or behaviors that appear defiant but are actually neurologically based.
People with autism, ADHD, PTSD and many other conditions often experience sensory dysregulation. So do many of your community members — you just may not know it. Now picture your standard police department open house: roaring sirens, bright flashing lights, crowded parking lots and booming voices over PA systems. For someone with sensory challenges, that’s not a fun family event. That’s a nightmare.
Hosting a sensory-friendly police event isn’t just about outreach — it’s about access. You’re creating an environment where people who are often excluded from public engagement can actually participate, connect and feel safe.
Partnering with the right experts
You don’t have to build this alone — and you shouldn’t. The best events come together when law enforcement collaborates with local disability organizations, special education departments and occupational therapists who understand sensory needs inside and out.
These professionals can advise on everything from how to set up your space, what kind of signage to use and how to adjust your activities for different neurotypes. Bring them in early and let them help you shape the event — not just rubber-stamp it. They’ll likely be thrilled to support — and their input will be invaluable.
Rethink the environment
This is where you make the biggest impact — sensory-friendly means intentional environmental design. Start by creating quiet hours, designated time slots with limited attendance and no crowd-based activities. These quieter periods help reduce overstimulation and make the experience more accessible.
Skip the sirens and flashing lights — save the fanfare for another day. Sensory-friendly is about calm, not chaos. Instead, use soft or natural lighting whenever possible. Harsh fluorescents or spotlights can be overwhelming, while softer light creates a more welcoming atmosphere.
Set up “chill-out zones” — a quiet tent or room with dim lighting, soft seating and minimal interaction. This gives families a safe space to retreat and regroup if things become too much. Ultimately, the environment can make or break the event. Keep it grounded, predictable, and low-key to ensure it’s a truly inclusive and supportive experience.
| RELATED: What I wish the law enforcement community knew about people with autism
Visual supports and communication tools
Many neurodiverse individuals rely heavily on visual supports to understand expectations and feel comfortable navigating unfamiliar spaces. Incorporating simple tools can make a significant difference in creating an inclusive and accessible environment. For example, station maps with icons help individuals locate key areas such as vehicles, restrooms and designated quiet zones. These visual guides reduce anxiety and confusion by offering a clear layout of the event.
Laminated communication cards featuring basic phrases or images can support families in interacting with officers or volunteers, especially when verbal communication is difficult. These cards empower non-speaking individuals or those with limited speech by giving them a reliable way to express needs or preferences.
Additionally, neurodiversity-aware officer badges or color-coded stickers help attendees easily identify staff members who have been trained to understand and support neurodiverse individuals. This visible signal of awareness fosters a sense of safety and trust. These tools are low-cost, yet they deliver a powerful message: We see you, we planned for you and you belong here.
Officer approachability
Let’s be honest — full tactical gear isn’t exactly the most approachable look for a 6-year-old with sensory sensitivities. In sensory-friendly spaces, how officers present themselves can make a big difference. Officers assigned to these areas should consider wearing soft uniforms or plainclothes, clearly marked with identification. This simple change can ease initial anxiety and make interactions feel less intimidating.
Additionally, nonverbal interactions such as a wave, a thumbs-up, or using visual prompts can be far more effective than verbal communication in these environments. These gestures are gentle, clear, and help build trust without overwhelming the child.
When it comes to introducing gear, it’s important to do so slowly and with clear explanations — don’t just show up in full utility belt mode expecting curiosity and comfort. Instead of performing or demonstrating, the focus should be on creating a sense of safety and familiarity.
Ultimately, this isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about building approachability and trust — meeting individuals where they are and making the experience feel safe from the very first interaction.
Activities that actually work
Forget the high-octane demonstrations — sensory-friendly events are all about low-pressure, gentle engagement. Quiet patrol vehicle exploration allows children to check out a police car without the blaring sirens or flashing lights that can trigger sensory overload. Hands-on gear tables offer kids a chance to gently try on items like vests or hats at their own pace, building familiarity in a fun, non-intimidating way.
Activities like fingerprinting or coloring stations provide a calm space for interaction, especially when paired with friendly officers who explain the process in a soothing manner. Simple giveaways like teddy bears or sensory fidget toys serve dual purposes — they make great keepsakes and help reduce stress for kids who might be feeling overwhelmed.
For parents and caregivers, resource tables hosted by local service providers offer valuable information and support. Throughout the event, the key is to keep all activities brief, hands-on, and entirely optional. The goal isn’t stimulation — it’s connection without overwhelm.
| RELATED: 5 tips to guide officers during interactions with autistic persons
Promotion tips
Marketing matters — and wording makes all the difference. Using inclusive and accessible language helps ensure that families feel seen and welcomed from the start. Phrases like “Sensory-friendly event,” “All abilities welcome” and “Quiet hours available for individuals with sensory needs” clearly communicate that the event is intentionally designed with neurodiverse individuals in mind.
It’s also important to consider how information is shared. Distribute flyers that include alt text for digital formats, large print and simple visuals to make them accessible to a wider audience. Go beyond general outreach by sharing these materials through disability-focused organizations, school newsletters and local therapy clinics — channels that directly reach the families who benefit most.
This isn’t just another community day. It’s a specific, thoughtful event created for those who are too often left out — and the way it’s marketed should reflect that purpose.
Build long-term trust
Here’s where the strategy moves beyond a single afternoon — because sensory-friendly events aren’t meant to be one-and-done. They’re stepping stones toward stronger community relationships. Start by following up with attendees. Send thank-you notes or feedback surveys to families who participated. Ask them what worked, what didn’t and what they’d like to see next time. Their input is invaluable for shaping future events that are even more responsive and inclusive.
Consider making it a recurring event — an annual tradition where you can track growth, deepen relationships and show long-term commitment to inclusion. But the most critical piece? Train your officers on why this matters. Help them understand that building rapport in calm, positive moments creates trust that carries over into crisis situations. If an officer has already met a child and their family in a relaxed, welcoming environment, that next call might unfold very differently.
The goal is bigger than one day — it’s about creating continuity, connection and lasting trust. These events not only demonstrate the agency’s commitment to inclusion but also provide a low-pressure setting for families to register with the department, share important information about their loved ones, and establish lines of communication before an emergency ever happens. It’s proactive community policing at its best — strengthening relationships while improving preparedness for future calls.
Final thoughts
A sensory-friendly open house isn’t a special interest project. It’s a strategic investment in public trust, communication and crisis prevention. It’s an opportunity for your department to be seen not just as an enforcer of laws, but as a welcoming, accessible partner in the community. And here’s the truth — people remember how you made them feel. So give them a reason to feel seen, heard, and safe.
About the author
Dr. Stephanie Zoltowski-Siordia is a law enforcement trainer, consulting psychologist, and founder of Spectrum Training Solutions. A former military police officer, she provides training nationwide on communication, mental health, and neurodiversity within first responder settings. Learn more at www.spectrumtrainingsolutionsllc.com.
