Mother and son recognised for transforming police support for neurodivergent people
Devon & Cornwall Police has formally recognised a Cornwall-based mother and son whose work is helping change how the force understands and supports neurodivergent people.
Marie Hutchinson‑Ralph and her son Malachi Tasker‑Ralph have worked with the force for several years, using their lived experience to improve how officers communicate and respond to neurodivergent individuals.
They were given a Chief Superintendent’s Certificate at a ceremony in St Austell on Wednesday 11 February, in recognition of their contribution to policing and the wider community.
Training built on lived experience
Marie and Malachi have:
- Delivered bespoke training sessions and webinars
- Led local projects focused on “thinking about people who think differently”
- Helped officers feel more confident when meeting neurodivergent people in day‑to‑day policing and emergencies
- They recently led a “Keep calm, it’s only Tourettes” webinar for the College of Policing, attended by officers and staff from across the UK.
PC John Holland, who has worked closely with them, said their insight is crucial:
“Marie and Malachi provide a powerful insight through their lived experience, which forms part of the invaluable training they have supported in delivering to our officers and staff.
Listening to the voices of everyone in our communities is essential – it means we can put the person at the centre of our response and build inclusive relationships.”
Neurodiversity ID wristbands
Marie and Malachi also helped introduce Neurodiversity ID (NDID) wristbands in 2025.
These green wristbands can be worn by neurodivergent people. When scanned by emergency services, they provide key information about the wearer, helping responders offer the right support quickly.
The wristbands are designed to:
- Help officers understand a person’s needs immediately
- Reduce stress and confusion in difficult situations
- Support more tailored, person‑centred responses
“True progress happens when communities are listened to”
Marie and Malachi said the award is really for the wider neurodivergent community:
“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Devon & Cornwall Police.
It means a great deal to us both, not only personally but for the wider neurodivergent community whose insights and experiences shape positive change.
True progress happens when communities are listened to and worked with, and when learning is shared in every direction.”
They thanked officers who have engaged with the work “with such openness and care”, and said they want to keep building safer, more understanding and inclusive communities.
National recognition for Malachi
Malachi has also received the British Citizen Award Medal of Honour for Services to Education (BCAe) for his work raising awareness of Tourette’s and promoting autism acceptance.
Marie and Malachi are the only mother and son to have received the British Citizen Award.
Police: “We haven’t always got it right”
Chief Superintendent Scott Bradley, who presented their certificate, said their work is helping the force improve:
“Malachi and Marie’s inputs give us the knowledge we need to make sure our response and communication is appropriate from the very first moment.
We know that we haven’t always got it right in the past, but we are continually striving to do better and be better for the neurodivergent community.”
Devon & Cornwall Police continues to work with neurodivergent communities in Cornwall and with the National Police Autism Association to better support neurodiverse people both inside the force and in the wider community.