Crime Stoppers NEEDS Program
(Neurodiversity, Educate, Empower, Deliver, Safety)
Mission Statement
The Crime Stoppers NEEDS (Neurodiversity, Educate, Empower, Deliver, Safety) Program’s mission is to champion the safety, well-being, and empowerment of the special needs community by proactively fostering knowledge of risks and safety solutions for individuals and those who live and serve them with the intention of preventing crimes against this vulnerable population.
What is Neurodiversity?
According to Harvard Health, “neurodiversity” describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways of thinking, learning, and behaving. The term is often used to describe autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADD, Tourette’s, and Dyslexia. Social and emotional difficulties associated with these developmental disorders often lead to unforeseen and unintended legal consequences:
Misunderstanding Social Cues: People with autism might act in ways law enforcement misunderstands, like not following verbal commands or avoiding eye contact, which can seem suspicious.
Sensitivity to Overstimulation: Emergencies can be too intense for individuals with autism, causing stress or panic and leading to responses that attract police attention.
Communication Challenges: Communication difficulties in people with autism can cause misunderstandings or conflicts with police, escalating situations.
Lack of Awareness: Police may not be trained in understanding autism, leading to inappropriate interactions with autistic individuals.
Vulnerability: People with autism can be more easily manipulated or exploited, sometimes resulting in their unintended involvement in illegal activities.
Presentations Offered
The following topics are the most requested by our Houston community and are especially relevant for the NEEDS population and those that support them:
- Cyber Safety Awareness
- Be Nice. (Mental Health Awareness), in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and be nice.®
- Bullying Prevention
- Dating Safety & Sexual Misconduct Awareness
- Juvenile Law Awareness
- Substance Abuse
- Cyber Safety Awareness
- Bullying Prevention
- Gaming Safety Awareness
- Mental Health Awareness
- Online Solicitation Prevention
- Cyber Safety Awareness
- Be Nice. (Mental Health Awareness), in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and be nice.®
- Bullying Prevention
- Child Abuse Prevention: Recognizing & Reporting
- Human Trafficking Awareness
Resources
For more information about NEEDS and further resources:
Crime Stoppers Resources Available
Request a Presentation
The Crime Stoppers Team is available to present to your group. All of the presentations listed on our Menu of Services below can be facilitated virtually or in-person and can be adapted to meet the needs of a specific audience.
Once you have selected your desired presentation, click below:
NEEDS Advisory Board Members
*Not pictured:
Sherrhonda Adams, MS Lieutenant, Harris County Precinct One
Dr. Anne Ginnett
Thank you to our NEEDS Program Supporters
- Brigitte Kalai
- Jordan Seff
- Michele Joseph
- Michelle Heinz
- Dena Williams
- Shana Jones
- Leslie Mogil
- Lindsay Aronstein
Crime Stoppers of Houston’s NEEDS Partnerships
Resource Partners
- Autism Speaks https://www.autismspeaks.org
- Autism Rescue Angels https://autismrescueangels.org
- Spectrum Linx https://spectrumlinx.com
- Social Motion Skills https://socialmotionskills.org
- Special Schools Coalition of Houston https://sschouston.org
Collaborative Partners
Texas A&M Juvenile Crime Prevention Center at Prairie View A&M University
Researched statistics and crimes against the autistic community, in addition to creating sample legislation to assist NEEDS in their legislative endeavors.
Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office
Created an 8-hour TCOLE – certified autism training program to train law enforcement agents and first responders on identifying and communicating with autistic individuals to enhance public safety for autistic and neurodiverse individuals.
Precinct One introduced Hussman Autism Kits for First Responders as part of its community support initiatives. These Hussmann Sensory Kits contain items specifically designed to assist officers in effectively interacting and communicating with individuals on the autism spectrum