MELROSE — The Melrose Police Department unveiled a new Autism Awareness police cruiser Tuesday, celebrating and recognizing members of the Melrose community with autism.

The car is a Volkswagen Atlas that features a black exterior with a colorful puzzle piece design inside the word “Police” on the side of the vehicle. Melrose Police hope to use the new cruiser to raise awareness for autism at the end of April, which is Autism Awareness Month.

The department would like to thank Metropolitan Insurance for generously donating the vehicle, as well as Today’s Collision in Malden for bodywork, Colonial Motor Group for the police safety lights and First in Graphics for the Autism Awareness graphic.

Melrose Police would also like to extend a special thank you to Robert McConaghy of Melrose Glass for donating Autism Awareness patches that officers can wear on their uniforms during Autism Awareness Month.

“Autism Awareness Month is a time we want to recognize our residents with autism and spread awareness of the condition,” Chief Lyle said. “We are grateful for all the generous donors and business in the surrounding communities who collaborated on this cruiser.”