CALDWELL, Idaho (CBS2) — UPDATE: The Caldwell Police Department has chosen to table the roll out of the Autism Awareness patrol car at this time.
In a news release, the police department said:
"We want to respect the Autism community and the symbols used to represent them. Our goal with the car was to raise awareness and acceptance for autistic people and their families. Our role is to always remain neutral and unite the community, and the car was causing too much division. Our intentions were 100% genuine and we appreciate your feedback, continued support and the understanding from the Autistic community."
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The Caldwell Police Department (CPD) will unveil the Autism Awareness patrol car, according to a recent news release. The release says this patrol car symbolizes support for people with autism. Its mission is to spread autism awareness.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.
The car will be highlighted at the Treasure Valley Night Light Parade in Caldwell on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Caldwell's Kylie Welch, 2023 National Miss Voice for Autism, will be riding in the Autism Awareness car during the parade.
Before the parade, an unveiling and opportunity to photograph the car will occur at the Caldwell Police Department, 110 S. 5th Ave., on Dec. 2 at 4:30 p.m. with Kylie in attendance.
Caldwell Police thanks The Sign Shoppe of Caldwell, who worked with the department to design the patrol car, which joins five other specialty cars in the CPD fleet: a College of Idaho car, a Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness car, the CPD Domestic Violence Awareness car, Caldwell Night Rodeo and the Caldwell High School patrol car unveiled this past summer.
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