ST. CLOUD, Fla. — The St. Cloud Police Department is launching a new tool meant to help with their interactions with people who have behavioral or cognitive conditions.
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They’re inviting parents and caregivers to participate in their Special Needs Registry program.
Once registered, the police department will provide decals for the person’s home and vehicle to signify that a person with special needs may be inside.
When officers come into contact with a person in the program, dispatchers will be able to provide them with information that may help them communicate effectively.
The information can also help if a participant is reported missing.
“Sometimes, people on the spectrum can feel scared or nervous when they interact with first responders, especially during an emergency” Police Chief Douglas Goerke said. “The St. Cloud Police Department wants to ensure everyone feels safe and respected when they interact with our officers, so please do not hesitate to register.”
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The registry is open to anyone in the St. Cloud community or even frequent visitors who want to sign up for the program.
Parents and caregivers can enroll a person of any age with any type of medical condition or disability, including autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s or dementia, bipolar disorder, and Down Syndrome. Adults with special needs can register themselves.
Participation in the program is completely voluntary. To sign up, simply complete the registry form here and take it to the St. Cloud Police Department at 4700 Neptune Rd.
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The information in the registry can only be seen by St. Cloud Police Department personnel who need it, with strict regulations covering who can access and share it.
For more information, click here.
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