UM-Flint's fifth annual Officer Friendly Day, May 9, connecting communities across the country

The University of Michigan-Flint will host its fifth annual Officer Friendly Day at the William S. White Parking Lot S, at the corner of Saginaw St. and 5th Ave, 1-3 p.m., May 9.

The free community event brings together autistic individuals, their families and caregivers, and law enforcement for an afternoon of hands-on community engagement designed to build trust and improve safety outcomes.

Officer Friendly Day is a collaborative initiative involving UM-Flint's Education Department, the Department of Public Safety, the Office of K-12 Partnerships, and community organizations. The event is coordinated by Melissa Sreckovic, associate professor of education, whose research focuses on the intersection of autism and law enforcement.

Among this year's new community sponsors is Brandon Dorf, a 15-year-old first-year student at The Wheatley School in Old Westbury, New York, who launched the Pay It Forward Dorf Foundation in 2025 after discovering Sreckovic's work online.

"I have always been interested in the University of Michigan because of its diversity. While exploring UM-Flint's website, I came across Melissa's work on autism awareness, which immediately stood out to me because my brother has significant developmental delays and autism," Dorf said. "Her work inspired me to bring more autism friendly ideas and initiatives into my local community, like Officer Friendly Day."

Since connecting with Sreckovic in February 2025, Dorf has raised close to $20,000 for autism-related causes — including a $2,000 donation to Officer Friendly Day — and has implemented the program's core model in three Long Island schools: Brookville Center for Children Services in Brookville, Barbara C. Wilson School in Woodbury, and The Hagedorn Village School in Seaford, with his most recent event scheduled for May 5. In addition, Dorf has a student working with him on his nonprofit to expand the program at H.C. Crittenden Middle School in Armonk, New York, with plans to expand beyond Long Island. The program has received positive feedback from school principals and is expected to be implemented in the coming months.

"I've actually talked directly to the police officers. I gave them different books, and they showed different kids with autism their vehicles, just so they're getting familiar with them," Dorf said. "So if anything were to happen, they would know that this isn't a kid that's doing something harmful — they just have certain issues."

Sreckovic said the partnership with Dorf reflects what her research has consistently shown — that simple, repeated interactions between autistic youth and law enforcement can have a positive impact.

"Brandon has taken these elements and successfully implemented them in local schools, creating meaningful opportunities for both students and officers," Sreckovic said. "These interactions help students feel more comfortable engaging with police, while also helping officers better understand individuals who may communicate or process sensory information differently."

She added that Dorf's initiative underscores a broader principle behind Officer Friendly Day. "Brandon's work demonstrates that effective initiatives can start small — something as simple as officers reading to children can make a meaningful difference."

This year's program at UM-Flint will include virtual reality experiences, simulated traffic stops, police vehicle tours, story time with an officer, other interactive activities and games, and free pizza. It will also feature the UM-Flint Department of Public Safety's Community Engagement RV, which Community Engagement Manager Martez Warren described as a centerpiece for relationship-building.

"The DPS Community Engagement RV is designed to serve as a bridge between public safety and the community, creating space for meaningful connection, trust-building, and education," Warren said. "My hope is that the RV experience at Officer Friendly Day will give young people and families a hands-on, positive interaction with public safety, while also connecting them to resources that support their development and well-being through play and relational activity."

Warren said he sees the event as part of a longer effort to reshape how youth perceive law enforcement. "I'm especially looking forward to engaging with the youth — hearing their voices, answering their questions, and helping them see law enforcement and public safety as partners in building strong, safe communities."

As for Dorf, he plans to attend this year's event in Flint — his first time meeting Sreckovic in person — and to see the program implemented as an integrated community event.

"Everyone is equal," Dorf said. "People think that just because you have autism, you can't do the same things as everyone else. I want to make sure everyone, no matter what condition they have, has the right to have fun, enjoy themselves, and live well."

For more information about Officer Friendly Day, visit the university's events page.