In an attempt to be more understanding – and accepting -- of people on the autism spectrum, and better understand interactions with those who have issues stemming from that, the St. Cloud Police Department announced Monday night – May 1, the start of Mental Health Awareness Month -- it has created a Special Needs Registry.
The listing is an attempt, the agency said, to foster healthy interactions and relationships with mental or neurological special needs who live in or frequently visit St. Cloud.
“In order to be more accommodating and accepting of those on the autism spectrum or with other cognitive, behavioral, or neurological conditions, we have created a Special Needs Registry to assist residents and improve community relations,” SCPD said in its Monday evening statement.
Information on the entirely voluntary program, and how to participate, can be found at https://www.stcloudfl.gov/2220/Special-Needs-Registry. It includes some tips for parents or caregivers of those with autism on how to make police encounters less stressful.
“Sometimes, people on the spectrum can feel scared or nervous when they interact with first responders, especially during an emergency,” Police Chief Doug Goerke said.
As part of the plan, residents are invited to provide information about a loved one with special needs of any age who may require special assistance in an emergency or when interacting with city police officers.
Those participating will receive decals for their home and vehicle.
“They will let first responders know that someone with autism or special needs may be present, and we should take extra care,” Goerke said. “The St. Cloud Police Department wants to make sure that everyone feels safe and respected when they interact with police.”
If an officer has contact with a person in the program, dispatchers can provide the officer with the information needed to successfully interact and communicate with them, as well as provide contact information of the person who completed the registration.
Leveraging technology, If an individual in the registry is reported missing information about their physical appearance, the most likely places where they may go, and triggers, stimulants, and de-escalation techniques, will be sent to police officers in the area to look for the missing person. If the individual has not is incapable of effectively communicating their name to an officer, a computer check of the neighborhood for registrants, coupled with the physical appearance, may allow police to identify the individual more quickly.
