The Calhoun Police Department (CPD) has established a database for citizens/residents with autism spectrum disorder and/or other special needs. Occasionally CPD Officers encounter an individual who is unable to provide adequate information regarding their identity, home address, contact information for family members, etc. and who may have needs that are not being met by normal processes due to an inability to communicate those needs. This registry will provide officers with advance notice so that they effectively assist those persons.
FAQ
What is the Calhoun Police Department’s “Special Needs Database”?
It is a CPD project that partners citizens and residents of Calhoun with the CPD. Its purpose is to compile and maintain a list of individuals who have “special needs” due to mental or neurological disabilities and who may reside or frequently visit the City of Calhoun. The database promotes communication and provides police with quick access to critical information concerning person(s) with autism or special needs by capturing information such as a full description, routine/favorite attractions, methods of communication, and other special needs as well as emergency contact information for caregivers. 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 in anticipation of future interaction with Calhoun police officers. The registration is completely voluntary.
If I don’t live in Calhoun, can I still register my child/dependent adult in the Database?
Yes. If you or the individual does not live in Calhoun, however the individual visits, attends school, or regularly attends other events in Calhoun, and you are the official caregiver/guardian of the individual, then you may register her/him with our department. To be truly effective, this form will require your permission to be shared with the jurisdictional law enforcement agency in which your child/dependent adult resides or visits on a regular basis. (i,e, for school, daycare, etc.)
Will the information be immediately available in case police response is required?
Not immediately. The registration form will need to be entered into a number of policing systems in order to capture all relevant information. It is hoped that this process will be quick but it may take up to two to four business days, or longer, to be fully processed.
Who has access to my child’s profile?
Calhoun Police personnel who require this information in the performance of their duties will have access to the information. There are strict regulations, covered by state and federal law, with respect to accessing and disseminating information. Information may be shared by all law enforcement agencies; however, consent of the individual involved, or their parent/guardian, is required before any information is shared among police agencies and/or fire department personnel, including schools. Submission of the form voluntarily acknowledges that the information being provided is truthful, current, and valid and that the person submitting the information is authorized to submit it on their own behalf or as the legal guardian with authority to submit it on behalf of another. The submitting person further understands that by enrolling himself/herself or someone else in the Calhoun Police Department “Special Needs Registry” that the personal information entered may be used by emergency personnel, including, but not limited to, law enforcement officers, emergency medical services (first aid/paramedics), and fire department personnel in the event of a personal emergency or other emergency situation. They also acknowledge that it will be their responsibility to keep the information on the registry up-to-date. It is further understood that completion of this form and participation in the Calhoun Police Department “Special Needs Registry” is voluntary and cannot guarantee and is not intended to convey and warrant, either express or implied, as to outcomes, promises, or benefits from the use of the form and participation in this program. Use of the Calhoun Police Department “Special Needs Registry” constitutes acknowledgement and acceptance of these limitations and disclaimers.
Can I update my profile more than once a year if there are changes? How do I do that?
You may, however, only information that has a significant impact on policing response will be necessary. Some examples would include a change in address, school, or emergency contact. Changes can be made by submitting a new “Special Needs Registry” form.
Will I be notified about annual renewals?
The renewals are the sole responsibility of the person/parent/guardian. It is recommended that you renew the registration during the month of birth of the registrant. However updates will be accepted when submitted and there is no limit on the amount of updates that can be submitted.
After I/my child/dependent adult is registered, and if there is an incident, do I need to do something to notify the police?
The information will be maintained at Gordon 911 and will be available to any responding law enforcement officer, EMT, or fire department personnel. However, it is always a positive step to inform any and all emergency responders and communications personnel of the existence of special conditions that require responders to use differing methodologies.
How will this database help if my child/dependent adult goes missing?
If the individual goes missing and is reported by the parent/guardian, information about his/her physical appearance, the most likely places where he/she would go to, as well as triggers, stimulants, and de-escalation techniques will be sent to every police officer in the area who is looking for the missing person.
If the individual has not been reported and is incapable of effectively communicating his/her name to an officer, a computer check of the neighborhood, coupled with the physical appearance, may allow us to identify the individual. This may then allow us to use the contact information provided in the database to deal effectively and safely with the individual and to connect with the parents/guardians.
What guarantees do we have that the interaction between our child/dependent adult and the police will be positive once he/she is registered?
There is no guarantee of a positive outcome with this database. What the database allows is for us to have the necessary information to better communicate with the individual and to safely resolve any issues that arise. What is important to stress is that simply having a person registered with the database is not going to change police responses in every instance involving an individual with special needs. Police will act according to procedure depending on circumstances.
How do I sign up?
To register for the Special Needs Registry, complete the Calhoun Police Department’s “Special Needs Registry” and submit it to the Calhoun Police Department. Parents and caregivers may voluntarily enroll a person with a medical condition or disability, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alzheimer’s or Dementia, Bipolar Disorder, and Down Syndrome. Adults with special needs may also enroll themselves.
You may download the form at https://www.cityofcalhoun-ga.com/special_needs_reg/, or you may obtain a registration form at the Calhoun police station located at 200 North Wall Street.
Once completed, you may email the form and a current photograph of the individual to: SpecialNeedsRegistry@calnet-ga.net.
You may also mail to:
Calhoun Police Department
Attn: Special Needs Registry
10 McDaniel Station Road
Calhoun, GA 30701
You may also complete and submit the form online at: https://www.cityofcalhoun-g a.com/special-needs-online-registration/.