Rep. Torres Celebrates $1,031,000 for Autism Society Inland Empire Law Enforcement Training Initiative
Corona, CA – Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) joined the Autism Society Inland Empire today at the Circle City Community Center to celebrate $1,031,000 in federal Community Project Funding to support specialized law enforcement training across the Inland Empire. As a Member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, Torres obtained this funding as part of the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process.
The funding will provide critical training and resources for law enforcement agencies in Pomona, Fontana, Ontario, and Chino to improve interactions with individuals whose conditions or disabilities may affect communication or require accommodations.
This initiative will help ensure safer, more informed responses during emergency situations and strengthen trust between first responders and the communities they serve.
“As a former 9-1-1 dispatcher, I know how critical those first moments of an emergency are and how quickly situations can escalate without the right training,” said Congresswoman Torres. “This $1,031,000 investment will give our law enforcement officers the tools they need to better understand and safely respond to individuals with autism and other disabilities. This is about saving lives, protecting families, and making sure every person in our community is treated with dignity and respect.”
"We are extremely grateful to Congresswoman Norma Torres for her unwavering commitment to improving safety, equity, and disability inclusion for families across the Inland Empire,” said Beth Burt, Executive Director of the Autism Society Inland Empire. “This funding allows us to continue to train law enforcement and first responders in our communities in an effort to make for a positive outcome for officers and our loved ones. Her leadership ensures that individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities are better understood and supported during the moments that matter most.”
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