Strategies for Safe Interactions with Autistic Individuals with Stefan Bjes

Today's Guest

Stefan Bjes

Sergeant Stefan Bjes M.S. is currently a patrol sergeant and has served with the Addison, Il Police Department for over 19 years. Stefan has a bachelor’s degree from Valaparasio University in Psychology and Sociology and a Master’s Degree from Lewis University. Stefan is an active CIT officer and is one of the supervisors for the department’s CIT program. He has served the department in several different capacities, such as Gang Investigator, School Resource Officer, Use of Force Instructor, Rapid Response Instructor, Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician and Juvenile Officer. He is also a former board member for the DuPage County Juvenile Officer Association. Stefan was named the 2019 Juvenile Officer of the Year by the Illinois Juvenile Officer Association for his work with children with disabilities.

Stefan is an instructor for North East Multi Regional Training (NEMRT), Tri-River Police Training Region and is also an approved instructor regarding Autism and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities for the Basic CIT Course with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Stefan has written articles for the International Law Enforcement Educators & Trainers Association (ILEETA) Journal and Calibre Press regarding Law Enforcement interactions with individuals with Autism. Stefan is an adjunct faculty member at Waubonsee Community College and the Suburban Law Enforcement Academy at the College of DuPage. He is also the owner of Blue Line Spectrum Safety LLC, which specializes in First Responder training regarding Autism and Developmental Disabilities.