Officer Laurie Reyes

Officer Laurie Reyes has been a Montgomery County Police officer for 28 years. In 2004, she created and implemented what is now called the Montgomery County Police Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Alzheimer's, Dementia Unit and has served in this program since that time. Initially, Officer Reyes started the program to address the increase in calls for service involving individuals with Autism and IDD and Alzheimer's who were the focus of a report for a “missing at risk” person.  The program has expanded to provide resources way beyond wandering prevention and awareness to include other calls and concerns from the mundane to the very serious.  As she and other officers became more involved with assisting these communities, it became apparent, she needed to create a multi-level approach to the program: to provide education, follow up, outreach, empowerment and response.   

Instruction given to Montgomery County Police and other surrounding agencies, provides officers with the necessary tools to ensure positive/effective and safe interactions with the Autism/ IDD and Alzheimer's communities. The program offers guidance and assistance to individuals who have Autism and IDD and to their caregivers. Caregivers gain insight into what they can do to keep their loved ones safe and develop an understanding that the police are a valuable resource when they need assistance. Caregivers and individuals are referred to the program by officers, social services, schools or are reached through proactive programs like the department’s annual Autism/IDD Night Out.  The community is provided education and awareness by way of our Autism and IDD awareness campaign created with the assistance of the Department’s Public Information Office.  This outreach includes using social media and general news outlets to spread awareness that often reach people well beyond the boundaries of Montgomery County.   

Important Montgomery County “Missing at Risk” Call Statistics : 

We average 5-8 calls a week for “missing at risk” calls, usually for young children who have autism. In almost all of these incidents, police or the community locate the child before caregivers call to report.  

We have conducted over 900 follow ups to caregivers in 2025.  Follow-Up can include home visits, safety kit drops off, immediate response and resource coordination. Through tracking and follow up, we are able to focus outreach in response to trends.  

Officer Reyes and the many incredible officers that support the program feel they have created a “culture of Autism/IDD and Alzheimer's, Dementia awareness” in Montgomery County and beyond.  As new challenges are presented, the program maintains a fluid approach to training and community engagement.  The program stays fluid and up to date, addressing current trends and concerns as it relates to interactions with law enforcement.   

Officer Reyes has received recognition from the White House as a “White House, Champion of Change for Youth and Law Enforcement”.  She was recognized by the Department of Justice and received the Attorney General’s Award for “Distinguished Service in Policing”.  She also received a Governor’s Citation for the creation and continued coordination of the Montgomery County Police Autism/IDD, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach Program.  The program is recognized a national model by such organizations as National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Autism Speaks, and Pathfinders for Autism.