Israeli Police Recruit Students with Special Needs as Volunteers

In a first for Israel, eleven students with special needs have been inducted as police volunteers in a unique pilot program. The ceremony took place at a horse farm in Beer Yaakov, where students aged 11 to 21 from the "Meitarim" school in Holon, including those with autism spectrum disorder and learning difficulties, received their police uniforms. The event was particularly meaningful for many families, as the uniforms were presented by their fathers and brothers who are already serving in the Israeli police. The program, reported by Channel 14, is both symbolic and practical. While the volunteers will not have police powers or be involved in operational duties, they will assist the canine and mounted units in Beit Dagan and Beer Yaakov once a week. Their tasks will include caring for equipment, farm work, and other suitable duties. Beyond assisting the units, the project aims to train police officers in communicating effectively with individuals with developmental disabilities, improving their interactions with citizens during emergencies and investigations. Each volunteer has an individualized support plan.