LOWER TOWNSHIP — On June 17, the Lower Township Police Department, led by Chief Donald Vanaman, hosted a special guest: 26-year-old autism awareness advocate Alex Mann.
The LTPD was the 537th police department that Mann has visited over the course of a 7.5-year journey to spread autism awareness and show support for law enforcement.
The visit was coordinated, planned and executed by SFC Michael Perry, LTPD Support Operations commander.
The Malvern, Pa., resident who is on the autism spectrum frequently vacations in Cape May County. He has dedicated nearly a decade to bridging the gap between law enforcement and the autism community in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and California.
Mann’s visit commenced with a swearing-in as an honorary member of the Lower Township Police Department, followed by a formal signing of the oath. Mayor Frank Sippel issued a proclamation declaring April 2026 Autism Awareness Month.
During his comprehensive, Mann provided in-person instruction as well as a PowerPoint training resource for future use by the department. A core focus of his training emphasizes that autism is a neurological developmental difference, not a Mental Health Emergency (MHE) — a crucial distinction that helps law enforcement safely and effectively identify and interact with individuals on the spectrum in the community.
Mann also teaches at the Cape May County Police Academy.
Following the educational session, Vanaman and officers treated Mann to a tour of the public safety building, which highlighted crucial operational areas including the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, Records Bureau and Booking Room, Fitness Center, Drone Program. He also toured the Cape May County Dispatch, Emergency Management (OEM) and Communications Center.
The visit also included interactions with the Lower Township Fire Bureau, the Town Bank Fire Department and AtlanticCare Rescue, as well as lunch at Little Italy in North Cape May.
“Alex is doing vital work for law enforcement agencies across the region,” Vanaman said. “By sharing his firsthand perspective and educating our officers on how to better understand and identify autism in the field, he is directly impacting public safety and community policing. We are deeply grateful for his support, his insight and his dedication.”
