THE Fiji Police Force needs to seriously consider greater collaboration with relevant specialist organisations when conducting advocacy around mental health and related issues to ensure accurate and informed public awareness.
This was the call from Pacific Autism Centre founder Merina George after a police outreach officer, during an awareness session at a school, said autism was caused by children spending too much time on their phones.
Speaking to this newspaper, Ms George said the comments were misinforming the public and contributed to misconceptions about autism.
“We are very concerned when that video first came out a couple years back and now that same officer is doing it again this year (another video),” she said.
Ms George said families had contacted the centre after the video was released, including families who had not previously sought its assistance.
“This kind of misinformation coming from a police officer is only causing more stigma and misconception.
“It becomes part of the myth of autism. And families, it’s sad that families who see these videos, they were really believing it.”
She said the centre was open to collaborating with Government officials, departments and ministries on autism awareness initiatives and participate in educational outreach programs.
Ms George said the centre expected better from the Fiji Police Force as a large and credible organisation.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said the officer had been cautioned regarding the information disseminated during the public awareness sessions.
“In our efforts to enhance awareness, it must not be done in a manner that offends members of the public, or information that prejudices efforts of other stakeholders,” ACP Vusonilawe said.
