The Roanoke City Police Department claims it’s the first of its kind in the country – a program designed for young adults out of high school with special needs, be it autism, Down’s syndrome or other challenges. They call it “Growth through Opportunity,” and it rolled out at a recent event where the first four GTO participants, all young men, were introduced.
They’ll volunteer for tasks ranging from wearing the McGruff the Crime Dog costume at community gatherings, to handing out keys to officers at police headquarters downtown. (Apparently making sure officers are getting the keys they should has been somewhat of a challenge.) Officer Travis Aikens will oversee the GTO program; he and Police Chief Chris Perkins introduced the first four young members to the public as proud parents looked on.
“We’re the first police department in the United States of American to offer a special program that partners with young [people] that have unique challenges,” said Aikens. He recently did a star turn on camera in the “Kicked By Grace” movie about officer Bryan Lawrence that was shot in Roanoke. Aikens said local agencies had been working with the GTO members “for years” in some cases, preparing them for adult life after high school as they also deal with their specific challenges.
“We envision this partnership to be mutual for all participants,” said Perkins, “and it is the men and women of this [police] department that will benefit the most. The chief said GTOs would “be assigned tasks that will enhance the productivity and outreach of our department.” The interaction will also allow for a better understanding into the “often perceived closed world of law enforcement,” added Perkins, who has made community policing and outreach a core component of his administration since succeeding Joe Gaskins.
The first four GTO participants are Tyler Caldwell (a 2010 William Byrd graduate and Katie’s Place board member), Joshua Leonard (a Lord Botetourt alum they call Coach – he coaches football at his alma mater), Cody Light (a Patrick Henry graduate who volunteers with the Citizens Police Academy) and Nicholas Metovich (a New Jersey native who likes to barbecue – and will assign those keys.)
They are being issued uniforms and “will be doing tasks around the department,” said Perkins; “a little bit of everything.” The group will be matched with their interests when possible, noted Perkins. Leonard said, “This is my first time as a police officer,” beaming from ear to ear when he spoke at the opening event.
Katherine Metovich, the mother of GTO participant Nicholas, was on hand to watch her son – who saluted the crowd after he was introduced. “He’s really socially isolated,” she said. “Getting him out in the community is going to give him an opportunity to connect, not just with the police department but with the community around him. As he knows its about acquiring skills. This is part of his life beginning.” The Blue Ridge Autism Center and Katie’s Place helped connect Nicholas and his mother to the program. She also works with the Autism Society full time.
Aikens is the department’s Crime Prevention Specialist; he also works with the Project Lifesaver program that focuses on those within the spectrum of autism. “We wanted to do something special. In our work with all these individuals there was a common theme – there’s not many opportunities out there available to [young adults] once they come of age. It was sad to see.” Added Aikens, “they have a lot of unique traits that are wonderful. They’re asking for an opportunity – it’s that simple.”
– Gene Marrano
