A new partnership between the Fairfield Police Department and the nonprofit Peace Love and ACCESSibility (PLA) is using education, not citations, to raise awareness about accessible parking laws.
Through the initiative, officers are distributing “courtesy notice” cards on vehicles when a possible parking violation is observed but no driver is present. Instead of immediate legal action, the cards provide information about the importance of accessible parking and direct recipients to PLA’s website via a barcode for more resources.
“Helping the public understand the importance of accessible parking and the real harm caused by its misuse is our primary goal,” said Sgt. Michael Komm, who serves on the state’s Accessible Parking Placard Advisory Council. “The cards offer a non-confrontational, educational alternative to traditional enforcement.”
“These cards are especially helpful when officers come across potential violations but cannot confirm fraud—such as when a placard appears expired or damaged, but the driver isn’t present,” said Komm.
The collaboration began when PLA’s executive director, Alex Bode, and her mother, PLA founder Mary Caruso, connected with Komm through the advisory council. Bode called Komm “instrumental” in building the partnership, praising the department’s openness to accessibility initiatives.
Since launching the program several weeks ago, Fairfield police have received positive community feedback. “Residents have responded well to the educational and proactive approach,” said Komm. “As awareness continues to grow, we hope to engage even more people in this conversation.”
The non-profit’s main focus is to advocate for improved accessibility for those with physical impairments. In the past, PLA has collaborated with police departments across the state, including those in Guilford, East Haven, Clinton, Branford, and Norwalk. “Each collaboration looks a little different, but every department has helped raise awareness in meaningful ways,” said Bode.
PLA is appreciative of the officers who have worked with them, and is very grateful for the partnership with Fairfield PD.
“They have shown a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement and were extremely welcoming, and it was a natural segue into a collaborative relationship,” said Bode. “By working together, we’ve been able to bring attention to accessible parking laws in a way that emphasizes both education and respect. Partnerships like this show how much of an impact law enforcement can have when they take the time to listen, build relationships, and focus on making their communities more inclusive.”
To learn more about Peace Love ACCESSibility visit their Facebook page.
