Dear [P. Smith],

Thank you for your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The MPA does not hold the requested information. Your request has therefore been transferred to the Metropolitan Police Service for them to answer. You should hear from the shortly.

Yvonne Peart
Information Officer

show quoted sections

Dear Sir/Madam

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2011060001927
I write in connection with your request for information dated which was
received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 13/06/2011.  Please
note that your request was transferred to us by the MPA.

I note you seek access to the following information:

"I would be grateful if you could supply details of any autism / Asperger
syndrome training that staff receive.    

 1. Do all staff get such training? If not, which ones get the training
and when?
 2. Who provides the training?    
 3. Do you consult with / seek guidance from the NAS or other autism
support charities / agencies?    
 4. Do you liaise with other police authorities to produce good practice
guidelines re dealing with autism / Aspergers? "

Your request will now be considered in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 (the Act).  You will receive a response within
the statutory timescale of 20 working days as defined by the Act,
subject to the information not being exempt or containing a reference
to a third party.  In some circumstances the MPS may be unable to
achieve this deadline.  If this is likely you will be informed and
given a revised time-scale at the earliest opportunity.

Some requests may also require either full or partial transference to
another public authority in order to answer your query in the fullest
possible way. Again, you will be informed if this is the case.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet, which details your
right of complaint.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please
write or contact A Duncan on telephone number 020 7161 3564 quoting
the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

A. Duncan
Policy & Support Team
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think
the decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your
request.  

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is
to telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your
decision letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues
and assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision
of the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act)
regarding access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS
to have the decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days
from the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied
with the decision you may make application to the Information
Commissioner for a decision on whether the request for information has
been dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information
Commissioner please visit their website at
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.  Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone:  01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear [P. Smith]

Freedom of Information Request Reference No:  2011060001927

I write in connection with your request for information which was received
by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 13/06/2011.  I note you seek
access to the following information:

I would be grateful if you could supply details of any autism / Asperger
syndrome training that staff receive.    
Do all staff get such training? If not, which ones get the training and
when?
Who provides the training?    
Do you consult with / seek guidance from the NAS or other autism support
charities / agencies?    
Do you liaise with other police authorities to produce good practice
guidelines re dealing with autism / Aspergers?

EXTENT OF SEARCHES TO LOCATE INFORMATION

To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted
within Human Resources.

RESULT OF SEARCHES

The searches located records relevant to your request.

DECISION

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below  information pursuant to your request above.

I would be grateful if you could supply details of any autism / Asperger
syndrome training that staff receive.    

An e-learning course of approximately 2 hours entitled "Mental Ill Health
and Learning Disability Awareness" is available to all MPS personnel.  The
course covers the main diagnoses in each group, including Autism Spectrum
Disorder and the behaviour a sufferer is likely to exhibit, as well as the
relevant legislation and how sufferers should be approached when needed to
be detained, or act as a witness.

Autism Awareness sessions have also been delivered to over 100 Safer
Neighbourhood Team Officers.

Autism is covered in the Advanced Achieving Best Evidence course for
investigators in CID etc.

Finally, there is a training package on Disability Hate Crime for police
recruits which, although it does not focus specifically on autism is of
relevance as it covers the issue of disability.

Do all staff get such training? If not, which ones get the training and
when?

The e-learning course is mandatory for all Police Officers including PCSOs
and Special Constables, as part of their initial training. Other personnel
that are likely to come into contact with the general public are also
encouraged to complete it as part of the training for their role. It is
available for all MPS personnel, if required.

In addition to the above, there are a number of resources available to all
MPS personnel on the intranet. Resources include guidance material such as
"A Common Sense Approach to working with Defendants and Offenders with
Mental Health Problems" from the national mental health charity Together,
which includes guidance on autism.
 
Who provides the training?    

The e-learning course has been developed with the full support of the NHS
and a range of third sector partners by the NPIA. It is available to
members of all the Police forces.

The Autism Awareness sessions have been delivered by an officer who has
been commended for his work pioneering Autism Awareness in the MPS.  The
officer has created an on line Special Interest Group which has been
positively received by many officers and staff across the MPS.

Do you consult with / seek guidance from the NAS or other autism support
charities / agencies?    

Yes, the MPS seeks guidance from NAS and other relevant support
charities/agencies.  The contact list of agencies is held by Mental Health
Liaison Officers who are familiar with whom to contact.  

Do you liaise with other police authorities to produce good practice
guidelines re dealing with autism / Aspergers?
The Leadership and Learning Directorate does not hold any records of
liaising with other police authorities.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet which details your right of
complaint.

Yours sincerely

Siobhan Finn
FOIA Manager
In complying with their statutory duty under sections 1 and 11 of the
Freedom of Information Act 2000 to release the enclosed information, the
Metropolitan Police Service will not breach the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988. However, the rights of the copyright owner of the
enclosed information will continue to be protected by law.  Applications
for the copyright owner's written permission to reproduce any part of the
attached information should be addressed to MPS Directorate of Legal
Services, 1st Floor (Victoria Block), New Scotland Yard, Victoria, London,
SW1H 0BG.
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.  

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
 Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone:  01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear [P. Smith]

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2011070001416
I write in connection with your request for information which was received
by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 07/07/2011.  I note you seek
access to the following information:

"Re: The e-learning course: could you please provide details? Title,
producers, and topics covered - as I am a bit concerned that autism is
covered in with mental ill health and learning disability, when it should
be a separate strand. It is separate from these two, but there can be a
link.  

Autism can occur without "learning disability" as such.

Mental illness occurs in someone with autism IF they are not understood
and do not get support. It is secondary to it. Yet     unfortunately
common, BECAUSE of the lack of support and understanding and provision for
the primary diagnosis - autism.    
There will be many with autism out there who are undiagnosed as it is so
very hard to achieve a diagnosis, and still so much ignorance in schools
about autism. "

Your request will now be considered in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 (the Act).  You will receive a response within the
statutory timescale of 20 working days as defined by the Act, subject to
the information not being exempt or containing a reference to a third
party.  In some circumstances the MPS may be unable to achieve this
deadline.  If this is likely you will be informed and given a revised
time-scale at the earliest opportunity.

Some requests may also require either full or partial transference to
another public authority in order to answer your query in the fullest
possible way. Again, you will be informed if this is the case.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet, which details your right of
complaint.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please write
or contact Peter Deja on telephone number 02071613640 quoting the
reference number above.

Yours sincerely

Peter Deja
Policy and Support Officer
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.  

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
 Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone:  01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear Ms Smith

Freedom of Information Request Reference No:  2011070001416

I write in connection with your request for information which was
received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 07/07/2011.  I note
you seek access to the following information:

Re: The e-learning course: could you please provide details? Title,    
producers, and topics covered - as I am a bit concerned that autism     is
covered in with mental ill health and learning disability, when     it
should be a separate strand. It is separate from these two, but     there
can be a link.         Autism can occur without "learning disability" as
such.         Mental illness occurs in someone with autism IF they are not
    understood and do not get support. It is secondary to it. Yet    
unfortunately common, BECAUSE of the lack of support and     understanding
and provision for the primary diagnosis - autism.         There will be
many with autism out there who are undiagnosed as it     is so very hard
to achieve a diagnosis, and still so much ignorance     in schools about
autism.

EXTENT OF SEARCHES TO LOCATE INFORMATION

To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted
within Leadership & Learning.

RESULT OF SEARCHES

The searches located records relevant to your request.

DECISION

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) package (e-learning
package) is aimed at providing a general awareness only. The NPIA package
has been developed with the full support of the NHS and a range of third
sector partners.  

The Mental Ill Health and Learning Disability Awareness programme is
intended to provide support in the form of general awareness learning for
those who may come into contact with individuals experiencing mental ill
health or learning disabilities.  The learning programme has been designed
to be suitable for all police officers and police staff - particularly
those in operational frontline roles - and as such, forms a "stand-alone"
learning product. The content is integral to initial learning for all new
officers.  The contents of the package are described as:

1. Introduction

Welcome
People we police
Mental health
Prevalence of mental ill health
Learning disability
Learning difficulties
Prevalence of learning disability
Mental ill health and learning disability
Recognising conditions
Myth and fact
Language
Dual diagnosis
Trends
Voice of experience

2. Powers and Partners

The MHA 1983
Section 136(1) of the MHA 1983
Place of safety
Section 136(2) of the MHA 1983
Section 136(3) of the MHA 1983
Section 135(1) of the MHA 1983
Section 135(2) of the MHA 1983
Section 2 of the MHA 1983
Section 3 of the MHA 1983
Sections 2 and 3 compared
Section 6 of the MHA 1983
MCA 2005
Other relevant legislation
Partners
Multi agency protocols
Summary

3. Mental Ill Health in a Public Place

This is the first of five chapters that simulate real-life situations
using video and photographs and invite you to make decisions and answer
questions as you progress.  You will learn through the feedback to your
answers and through video input from a number of experts.  In each
scenario you are accompanied by a colleague, who is the first police
officer you see.

4. Mental Ill Health on Private Premises

You will learn through the feedback to your answers and through video
input from a number of experts.  In each scenario you are accompanied by a
colleague, who is the first police officer you see.

5. Victims and Witnesses

This scenario explores the police response to the victim of a crime (a
robbery) and a witness both of whom happen to have a learning disability.

6. Suspects and Offenders

This scenario looks at how to respond to a suspect or offender
experiencing mental ill health.

7. Mental Capacity Act 2005

In this scenario you will respond to a call from a man who seems to be in
a distressed state.  You will learn about the powers you have to intervene
in situations where people lack the capacity to make decisions in the best
interests of themselves or others.

As noted in our earlier response, there are also a number of relevant
resources on autism available to all MPS officers and staff via the MPS
intranet.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet which details your right of
complaint.

Yours sincerely

Siobhan Finn
FOIA Manager
In complying with their statutory duty under sections 1 and 11 of the
Freedom of Information Act 2000 to release the enclosed information, the
Metropolitan Police Service will not breach the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988. However, the rights of the copyright owner of the
enclosed information will continue to be protected by law.  Applications
for the copyright owner's written permission to reproduce any part of the
attached information should be addressed to MPS Directorate of Legal
Services, 1st Floor (Victoria Block), New Scotland Yard, Victoria, London,
SW1H 0BG.
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.  

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
 Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone:  01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear  [P. Smith]

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2011080004300
I write in connection with your request for information  which was
received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 27/08/2011.  I note
you seek access to the following information:

* "I  am happy with the manner and spirit in which my request has been
 handled, thank you, but it still looks to me as if specific autism
 awareness training is lacking.   It does not appear to be included AS
A SEPARATE STRAND. Autism is very specific, very particular. Please
could you provide me with a copy of the extract of the training
specifically describing how to handle / someone with Aspergers or high
functioning autism? Or have I missed it - I apologise if I have missed
it.     Do you issue an autism awareness card? "

Your request will now be considered in accordance with the Freedom of
Information Act 2000 (the Act).  You will receive a response within
the statutory timescale of 20 working days as defined by the Act,
subject to the information not being exempt or containing a reference
to a third party.  In some circumstances the MPS may be unable to
achieve this deadline.  If this is likely you will be informed and
given a revised time-scale at the earliest opportunity.

Some requests may also require either full or partial transference to
another public authority in order to answer your query in the fullest
possible way. Again, you will be informed if this is the case.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet, which details your
right of complaint.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please
write or contact Peter Deja on telephone number 02071613640 quoting
the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

Peter Deja
Policy and Support Officer
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think
the decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your
request.  

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is
to telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your
decision letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues
and assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision
of the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act)
regarding access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS
to have the decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days
from the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied
with the decision you may make application to the Information
Commissioner for a decision on whether the request for information has
been dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information
Commissioner please visit their website at
www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.  Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone:  01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear Ms Smith

Freedom of Information Request Reference No:  2011080004300

I write in connection with your request for information which was
received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 27/08/2011.  I note
you seek access to the following information:

I  am happy with the manner and spirit in which my request has been
 handled, thank you, but it still looks to me as if specific autism
 awareness training is lacking.     It does not appear to be included AS A
SEPARATE STRAND.     Autism is very specific, very particular.

Please could you provide me with a copy of the extract of the training
specifically describing how to handle / someone with Aspergers or high
functioning autism? Or have I missed it - I apologise if I have missed it.
   

Do you issue an autism awareness card?

EXTENT OF SEARCHES TO LOCATE INFORMATION

To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted
within PeopleServices.

RESULT OF SEARCHES

The searches located records relevant to your request.

DECISION

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below and attached information pursuant to your request above.

As noted in previous responses, there are a number of relevant resources
on autism available to all MPS officers and staff via the MPS intranet, as
well as a special interest group on this subject.

The Mental Ill Health and Learning Disability Awareness programme from the
NPIA is intended to provide support in the form of general awareness
learning for those who may come into contact with individuals experiencing
mental ill health or learning disabilities. The programme includes a
reference section with information on specific conditions and includes the
following narrative for Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

"Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are life-long disabilities with varying
degrees of severity.  People with autistic spectrum disorders often find
it hard to make sense of the world around them and to cope with change.
 Routine is often very important.

The three main areas of difficulty are social communication, social
interaction and social imagination.  People may, for example, avoid eye
contact and be less able to read social cues or empathise with other
people.  They may struggle to hold conversations, taking words and phrases
very literally (for example, "I could eat a horse" would seem very strange
to them).  They usually have poor listening and concentration skills and
struggle to understand tone of voice and facial expressions.  Because of
this, they may come across as blunt or rude.  Typically, people with ASD
do not engage in imaginative play and struggle to see the consequences of
their actions.  Asperger's Syndrome is one form of ASD."

The package includes an audio account from Robyn who talks about her
experience of Asperger's Syndrome.  The content of the audio account is
attached.

The reference section of the e-learning programme also contains a number
of relevant documents, covering both guidance and legislation.  The
documents include "Autism: a Guide for Criminal Justice Professionals",
"Supporting Victims and Witnesses with Mental Health Issues" and "Another
Assault" which are attached.

It is not a corporate initiative to issue autism awareness cards to all
MPS personnel.  Efforts have been made by the MPS to raise awareness of
the card, however, with information about the launch, purpose and content
of the card.  Some intranet sites for individual boroughs include detailed
information about the card.  The document jointly produced by the National
Autistic Society, "Autism: a Guide for Criminal Justice Professionals"
which is part of the e-learning programme, includes information on Autism
Recognition Cards and Autism Alert Cards and how to obtain the cards.    

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet which details your right of
complaint.

Yours sincerely

Siobhan Finn
FOIA Manager
In complying with their statutory duty under sections 1 and 11 of the
Freedom of Information Act 2000 to release the enclosed information, the
Metropolitan Police Service will not breach the Copyright, Designs and
Patents Act 1988. However, the rights of the copyright owner of the
enclosed information will continue to be protected by law.  Applications
for the copyright owner's written permission to reproduce any part of the
attached information should be addressed to MPS Directorate of Legal
Services, 1st Floor (Victoria Block), New Scotland Yard, Victoria, London,
SW1H 0BG.
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.  

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
 Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone:  01625 545 700

The Metropolitan Police Service is here for London - on the streets and in
your community, working with you to make our city safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear [P. Smith]

Thank you for your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The Metropolitan Police Authority does not hold the information you require and we have therefore transferred your request to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Public Access Office.

The MPS will respond to you directly.

Yours sincerely

____________________
Cynthia Coleman | Assistant Information Officer | Metropolitan Police Authority |Telephone 020 7202 0180 | MetPhone 57180| Fax 020 7202 0200 | Email [email address] | Website www.mpa.gov.uk | Address MPA, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1H 0NY

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Dear [P. Smith]

Freedom of Information Act Request Reference No: 2011120000077
I write in connection with your request for information  which was
received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 30/11/2011.  I note
you seek access to the following information:

·        
 "http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...
"

You originally submitted your above request to the Metropolitan Police
Authority (MPA) which then transferred your request to the Metropolitan
Police Service (MPS) to deal.

To enable the MPS to meet your request could you please provide this
office with further information.  I provide some guidance that may assist
you more clearly describe the information you require:

* You are required to specify the information you would like. At
present, your request is unclear.
* Please specify the type of information you would like.
* Are you requesting information on the training of Police Officers
regarding Autism?

 
After receiving your reply, your request will then be considered and you
will receive the information requested within the statutory timescale of
20 working days, subject to the information not being exempt or containing
a reference to a third party.

However, if the requested additional information has not been received by
Tuesday 3rd January 2012, I will assume you no longer wish to proceed with
this request and will treat it as withdrawn.

COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Your attention is drawn to the attached sheet which details your right of
complaint.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please write
or contact me at the above e-mail address, quoting the reference number
above.

Yours sincerely,

R. Loizou
Policy and Support Officer
COMPLAINT RIGHTS

Are you unhappy with how your request has been handled or do you think the
decision is incorrect?

You have the right to require the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to
review their decision.

Prior to lodging a formal complaint you are welcome and encouraged to
discuss the decision with the case officer that dealt with your request.  

Ask to have the decision looked at again –

The quickest and easiest way to have the decision looked at again is to
telephone the case officer that is nominated at the end of your decision
letter.

That person will be able to discuss the decision, explain any issues and
assist with any problems.

Complaint

If you are dissatisfied with the handling procedures or the decision of
the MPS made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the Act) regarding
access to information you can lodge a complaint with the MPS to have the
decision reviewed.

Complaints should be made in writing, within forty (40) working days from
the date of the refusal notice, and addressed to:

FOI Complaint
Public Access Office
PO Box 57192
London
SW6 1SF
[email address]

In all possible circumstances the MPS will aim to respond to your
complaint within 20 working days.
The Information Commissioner

After lodging a complaint with the MPS if you are still dissatisfied with
the decision you may make application to the Information Commissioner for
a decision on whether the request for information has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act.

For information on how to make application to the Information Commissioner
please visit their website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.
 Alternatively, phone or write to:

Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Phone:  01625 545 700

Total Policing is the Met's commitment to be on the streets and in your
communities to catch offenders, prevent crime and support victims. We are
here for London, working with you to make our capital safer.

Consider our environment - please do not print this email unless
absolutely necessary.

NOTICE - This email and any attachments may be confidential, subject to
copyright and/or legal privilege and are intended solely for the use of
the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please
notify the sender and delete it from your system.  To avoid incurring
legal liabilities, you must not distribute or copy the information in this
email without the permission of the sender. MPS communication systems are
monitored to the extent permitted by law.  Consequently, any email and/or
attachments may be read by monitoring staff. Only specified personnel are
authorised to conclude any binding agreement on behalf of the MPS by
email. The MPS accepts no responsibility for unauthorised agreements
reached with other employees or agents.  The security of this email and
any attachments cannot be guaranteed. Email messages are routinely scanned
but malicious software infection and corruption of content can still occur
during transmission over the Internet. Any views or opinions expressed in
this communication are solely those of the author and do not necessarily
represent those of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Dear [P. Smith],

Thank you for your e-mail.

I have forwarded this on to our Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate
who will be able to raise it with the MPS Disability Advisory Group.

With kind regards,

R. Loizou.

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