The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) has designated the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department and Ocean Rescue Division as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), recognizing their commitment to better serving and engaging with autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals in the community. 

To earn the CAC designation, at least 80% of Sunny Isles Beach Police Department and Ocean Rescue personnel completed industry-specific training to enhance their ability to assist, support, and communicate with autistic and sensory-sensitive community members. The Sunny Isles Beach Ocean Rescue Division, as part of the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department’s CAC certification, is the first Ocean Rescue Division in Florida to complete this training. This certification demonstrates a proactive commitment to equipping staff with the tools and training needed to respond with empathy and confidence, especially when interacting with individuals with autism, sensory sensitivities and their families.

“Becoming a Certified Autism Center™ is about making sure every person who interacts

with our officers feels understood, respected, and safe,” said Chief Eddie Santiago. “This training gives our department the knowledge to better recognize, communicate with, and support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. It strengthens trust and helps our officers respond with awareness, patience, and professionalism–because effective policing starts with understanding the people we serve.”

“True community safety goes beyond response; it’s about understanding. Through this certification, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department is redefining what it means to serve and protect. This achievement reflects a deep commitment to meeting individuals where they are, ensuring interactions are guided by awareness, empathy, and respect,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “The department’s efforts will have a lasting impact, not only strengthening trust within their community, but also creating a more inclusive environment where individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities can feel genuinely supported.”

In addition to trained staff, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department offers the Autism Outreach Program to better serve community members with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The program prepares responding officers for situations involving individuals with ASD, supports appropriate and effective handling of each incident, maintains a voluntary database of individuals with ASD, and provides decals for participants’ vehicles and homes. Sensory activations are also available at select city events for individuals with ASD. 

For 25 years, 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, the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department is 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, connecting users to accessible locations worldwide, to help ensure seamless, enjoyable experiences for everyone.

IBCCES also provides access to resources such as AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which are free online tools for families that list certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met IBCCES certification requirements.

About the City of Sunny Isles Beach

Located on a barrier island in northeast Miami-Dade County, the City of Sunny Isles Beach has transformed into a world-class destination over the past two decades. With a population of more than 22,900 residents, the City is known for its cultural diversity and features 11 parks within its 1.78 square miles, including the iconic Newport Fishing Pier. Sunny Isles Beach is also home to the A-rated Norman S. Edelcup/Sunny Isles Beach K-8 School. Learn more at sibfl.gov.