Jonesboro, Ark. — The Jonesboro Police Department has introduced specialized sensory bags to its patrol cars, aiming to better support individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities during emergency calls.
The department received 36 sensory bags on Thursday as a donation from Emerson Ambulance Service. Each bag contains four sensory toys designed to help officers connect with individuals, reduce anxiety, and ease communication in stressful situations.
Eric White, who handles public relations for Emerson Ambulance Service, explained the importance of the initiative.
“Any time we go on a call, or the Jonesboro Police Department goes on a call, and there is either autistic or sensory-deprived people, it’s hard to connect with them,” White said. “If we end up having something like that, like a sensory toy, or even just a little fidget, it’s easier to get that to them for them to use and kind of calm them down, take the anxiety away. Make it easier for them to focus and kind of gain their trust a little bit.”
The donation ensures that each patrol car in the department will be equipped with one of these sensory bags, providing first responders with a resource to help vulnerable community members feel more at ease during encounters.
The initiative reflects a growing trend among law enforcement and emergency services to include tools that address diverse needs in the populations they serve.