E.P.P. 063
LONGWOOD POLICE DEPARTMENT
ENFORCEMENT POLICY & PROCEDURE
NUMBER: EPP – 63
SUBJECT: SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY
EFFECTIVE: JUNE 1, 2021
REVISED:
ENFORCEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE
SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY
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I. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to clearly define the policy and procedures pertaining to the
Special Needs Directory.
II. SCOPE:
The Special Needs Directory is an autism awareness and special needs program that will
assist officers in improving service to those in our community living with genetic disorders
such as autism and Down Syndrome, as well as assisting with Alzheimer’s, dementia and
other mental illnesses.
A. Qualifying participants are recognized as those with any physical, mental,
sensory or intellectual disability that would keep an individual from
communicating in the event of an emergency. Person(s) who reside in
nursing homes or any special needs facility are not eligible for this
program.
III. GENERAL:
A directory is available to family members and caregivers who may voluntarily provide
information about any loved one living with special needs, based upon a mental or
neurological disability/disorder. The directory is intended to compile information on
behalf of anyone who may require special considerations during an interaction with
officers, or in an emergency situation.
Participants may receive a numbered wristband that corresponds to their directory
information and family members will receive an exterior decal to place near the entrance
of their home.
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SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTORY
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The wristband and decal will better alert police officers they have entered the
environment of someone living with autism or other special needs, in order to anticipate
special care or assistance such as de-escalation tactics and triggers to avoid.
IV. DIRECTORY PROCEDURES:
A. RECORDS:
1. All directory requests shall be forwarded to the community relations
supervisor. Each form will be checked for completeness, ensuring
emergency contact information is included, any specific details are noted
and that the applicant, or the applicant’s parent or legal guardian, has
signed the application. The application can be submitted in person, given
to any officer, dropped off at the police department or submitted by
email.
2. The community relations unit will visit the residence and place the
provided sticker in a visible and appropriate area, with the permission of
the applicant, or the applicant’s parent or legal guardian.
3. The community relations supervisor will communicate with the Seminole
County Sheriff’s Office communication center to ensure that the
applicant’s information is documented in the CAD system as a hazard
screen. The CAD screen will not list the participant’s diagnosis or medical
condition. The CAD screen would simply state “Longwood Special Needs
Directory Number 1”. The hazard screen will be utilized for the
dispatcher to notify responding officers of the presence of a participant
in the Special Needs Directory. Officers will be able to review the
important data within the directory prior to going on scene.
4. A copy of the directory database will be available for all officers to view
on a shared server. This will include the applicant’s basic information,
assigned number, and special needs considerations. The directory is only
to be used for official purposes and is not to be disseminated to the
public. This information may only be shared with other law enforcement
agencies during an emergency situation, or if the registered person is
missing within another jurisdiction.
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B. DOCUMENTATION:
1. When a new entry is made into the directory, a Café report will also be
generated by the community relations unit. The report will be an AR (At
Risk) report. A person(s) page will be completed with all biographical
information to include next of kin. The narrative will indicate the
participant’s assigned directory number, diagnosis, triggers, and de-
escalation tactics specific to the participant.
2. Officers responding to a residence of a Special Needs Directory
participant will be required to add a supplemental narrative indicating a
brief summary of the event and adding any important changes such as
new triggers or de-escalation tactics to consider, as these may evolve and
change as the participant ages.
3. Upon adding a supplemental narrative, the community relations
supervisor shall be notified to update the directory.