Midland County Hospital District Police Department Becomes Second Law Enforcement Agency in Texas to Earn Certified Autism Center™ Designation

The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) proudly awards the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation to Midland County Hospital District Police Department, the second law enforcement agency in Texas to earn the prestigious credential. To earn the CAC certification, at least 80% of the department completed autism-specific training, equipping them with the skills and resources to best communicate with, understand, and support autistic and sensory-sensitive community members.

"I am proud of our team's dedication and commitment to become a Certified Autism Center™," says Chief Steven McNeill, Chief of Police at Midland County Hospital District Police Department. "This is just one more step to achieving our mission of leading healthcare for greater Midland."

“This certification highlights Midland County Hospital District Police Department’s dedication to serving every person in their community,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “IBCCES is proud to certify the department, and we look forward to seeing the impact this training and certification will have on every individual they work with, especially autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals and their families.”

For more than two decades, IBCCES has been a leader in providing autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification for professionals worldwide, including those in healthcare, education, public safety, travel, and corporate sectors. As the only credentialing board offering these programs, IBCCES provides training from subject matter experts and autistic self-advocates, along with long-term support, continuous learning, onsite reviews, and renewal requirements to ensure continued growth and lasting impact.

To further support inclusivity efforts, Midland County District Hospital District Police Department will be featured on the IBCCES Accessibility App, which is free to download. This app provides individuals with a variety of disabilities real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces, and tailored recommendations. By connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, the app helps ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.

IBCCES also provides access to resources such as CertifiedAutismCenter.com and AutismTravel.com, free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.