Alex Mann (left) is flanked by RUPD officers, Community Service 
Officers, and RCAAS staff during his visit.

Alex Mann is a passionate supporter of law enforcement. So deep is his passion that this Autistic, New Jersey native has visited over 400 police departments throughout the northeastern United States. On August 1, he visited Rutgers RUPD.

His visits have a profound purpose. Mann wants to help educate law enforcement about the neurodiverse community and how to interact with neurodiverse individuals during a law enforcement encounter, such as traffic stops.

Interactions between police and the neurodivergent community can rapidly deteriorate if an officer does not recognize certain behavioral traits of autistic or other neurodiverse individuals. Under stress, an autistic individual’s behavioral challenges can heighten and trigger a meltdown. This may lead to misunderstandings or worse, as a neurodiverse individual’s lack of eye contact and sometimes erratic movements can further the tension.

IP&O’s RUPD has been involved in activities with the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS) that help bridge this divide between neurodiverse individuals and law enforcement. (See article from the February 2023 newsletter.)

As a result, RUPD’s Community Police Division — Sergeant Marlise Correa, Lieutenant Manuel Simoes, and Officer Jacob Lugo — helped coordinate Mann’s visit.

“The RUPD would like to thank Alex for his visit and the opportunity to connect and learn together. At RUPD, we are committed to building meaningful relationships with the autism community through understanding, empathy, and open dialogue. Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive environment for all,” said Sergeant Correa.

Featured in the IP&O Newsletter, October 2025.