Oxford police receive sensory kits from Ole Miss
The Oxford Police Department said on Facebook that the University of Mississippi School of Education and the Ole Miss Bridge Program donated sensory kits to help officers respond to calls involving people with autism and other sensory needs.
Each kit includes noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, communication boards, fidget items and weighted stuffed animals, the department said. Officers also received a training video meant to ensure the kits are used effectively in the field.
The department said the tools can help reduce sensory overload, support communication during stressful encounters and provide another way for officers to connect with people and de-escalate situations. The post expressed appreciation for the students, mentors and staff who assembled the kits.
The University of Mississippi, known as Ole Miss, is a public university based in Oxford. People on the autism spectrum often have sensory sensitivities that can complicate emergency responses, making these kinds of resources relevant for first responders. The department linked to a University of Mississippi news release for more information. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
