FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Oct. 1, 2025) – Law enforcement officers from across Tennessee will gather in Franklin this month for a two-day conference, designed to enhance their ability to serve and protect individuals on the autism spectrum.
The Effective Policing: Autism Response Conference will take place October 15–16 at the Church of West Franklin, located at 700 Hwy. 96. The immersive training event will provide first responders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to better recognize, communicate with, and safely deescalate encounters involving community members with autism.
The keynote speaker is Tanner Smith, a cast member from the hit Netflix series Love on the Spectrum. Smith, who has become a national advocate for autism understanding and inclusion, will share his personal experiences and insights with attendees.
“This training is about more than policy and procedure, it’s about building understanding,” said Jeff Hundley, a training specialist with the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center (LEIC). “By equipping officers with practical skills and real-world perspective, we’re helping bridge the communication gap and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the autism community.”
Organized by the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center, part of the UT Institute for Public Service, the event will feature interactive sessions, scenario-based exercises, and expert-led discussions aimed at improving response outcomes and community relationships.
“The goal is to make sure every officer leaves with a deeper awareness of autism and an increased ability to respond with empathy and effectiveness,” Hundley added. Attendance is free for law enforcement personnel, thanks to funding from the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs Violent Crime Intervention Fund.
The University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center extends its appreciation to the following partners for their collaboration and support:
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The Arc of Tennessee, Davidson County & Greater Nashville, and Williamson County
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The Church of West Franklin
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The Franklin Police Department
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The Jenkins Center
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The Murfreesboro Police Department
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The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities
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The Tennessee Department of Disability & Aging
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The Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration
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The Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy
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The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
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The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office
Registration is now open at: https://forms.office.com/r/iRAUSjTcGd
