FOI 111601

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 111601

I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 26^th August 2021. Please find below the response to your request:

I wish to ask, under the FOI, whether your force has policies that make specific mention of autism, autistic spectrum or other similar terms. Alternatively, would such people be included within a more general definition of vulnerable people and so not referred to specifically.

In particular I am interested in your policies concerning:

1. people employed as officers or staff by your force
2. people who are victims of crime or otherwise vulnerable or at risk
3. people who are offenders

Reply:-

1. People employed as officers or staff by your force

West Mercia Police follow a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy which includes incorporating fairness to all employed by West Mercia.

The policies do not specifically state autism, however this would be included in the more general terms of vulnerable people or specific diverse group.

West Mercia have a Welfare Policy, Capability Guidance and also a Workplace Adjustment Policy again which incorporate vulnerabilities but don’t specifically use the term autism.

West Mercia Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy can be found here

1. People who are victims of crime or otherwise vulnerable or at risk

West Mercia Police policies do not specifically refer to autism but do include dealing with people with vulnerabilities. Am individuals vulnerability is taken into account and needs are assessed.

1. People who are offenders

West Mercia Police policies do not specifically refer to autism or autistic spectrum in relation to offenders. Autism is considered within the more general definition of a vulnerable offender. The vulnerability and needs of the offender are always taken into consideration and assessed in relation to that individual offender and their particular needs.