08/27/2026
SECOND MILE THURSDAY: Officer Stephanie Rattray
For Officer Stephanie Rattray, helping others understand autism is more than just part of the job, it’s personal.
As the parent of an autistic child, Officer Rattray understands that interactions with law enforcement can sometimes be overwhelming or challenging for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. She has used that personal experience to help educate and better prepare her fellow officers.
Officer Rattray has taken the initiative to teach members of her shift how to recognize behaviors that may be associated with autism and how to better approach and communicate with individuals who may have special needs. She has also purchased sensory-based items and created packets for officers to keep in their vehicles and use during calls for service or traffic stops.
Wanting to make an even greater impact, Officer Rattray developed a lesson plan to educate CPD leadership and officers about autism, effective communication strategies, and ways to create more positive and successful interactions with individuals on the spectrum.
Officer Rattray is also a member of the Clarksville Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and Crisis Negotiation Team, where she understands the importance of patience, communication, and meeting people where they are. She continues to look for tools and resources that can help officers better serve individuals with special needs.
Through her efforts, Officer Rattray is helping equip officers with knowledge and resources that can make a meaningful difference during everyday encounters with members of our community.
Thank you, Officer Rattray, for going the Second Mile and making a difference for both our officers and the community we serve.
---------------
As a reminder, last year in November 2025, the Clarksville Police Department posted the following information:
Caregivers of individuals with Autism, Dementia, limited communication abilities, or other special needs can now submit a Special Needs Form—along with a photo of the individual—to the Clarksville Police and Fire Dispatch.
Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) Administrator Angee Daniel utilized existing software available to the Clarksville Police Department to create this form.
In the past ten months, we have received over 122 submissions and have already reunited two children with special needs with their families. This unique and non-public photo map gives pertinent details to responding units to facilitate a quicker reunification with the individual and caregiver(s).
This program is available to citizens who live within the City of Clarksville.
To register, visit: https://clarksvilletn.gov/1409/Special-Needs-Form
The information will be securely stored and used by dispatchers to provide responding patrol units with important details when they encounter a person who may be unable to effectively communicate. Having this information in advance will help officers and firefighters respond more quickly, appropriately, and safely.
Clarksville Police Department City of Clarksville, TN Montgomery County, Tennessee
Autism Tennessee Tennessee Autism Parent Support Group
Autism Foundation of Tennessee - Clarksville Autism Speaks
