North Plainfield police launch Special Needs Registry to help first responders during emergencies
The registry includes a participant’s name, address, date of birth, recent photo, emergency contacts, cellphone number and details about their disability.
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The North Plainfield Police Department has launched a new Special Needs Registry aimed at helping officers better respond to emergencies involving children and adults with disabilities.
Police Chief Alan McKay says the voluntary program gives officers immediate access to important information that can help them respond more effectively before arriving on scene.
The registry includes a participant’s name, address, date of birth, recent photo, emergency contacts, cellphone number and details about their disability. Families can also provide information about communication needs, sensory triggers, medical conditions and other details that could help first responders during an emergency.
Police say the program comes after cases where locating a missing person was more challenging because of a disability, including the case of Conor Oldfield, who had autism. Oldfield went missing from his Plainfield home and was later found dead earlier this year.
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“We have a lot of adults and children that have special needs, just like most communities,” McKay said. “This program allows police officers on the street to get immediate access to pictures, names and emergency contacts.”
McKay says the registry can be especially helpful when a person with a disability goes missing or is unable to communicate with first responders. Officers can quickly review important information, including potential sensory sensitivities to loud noises or bright lights, allowing them to adjust their response.
“So in our internal, in-house computer system, we will have a folder of people registered for the Special Needs Registry, and patrol officers out on the street can open up this folder and view the individuals who are registered,” said Sgt. Albert Domizi.
Police emphasize that the registry is completely voluntary and is open to both children and adults with disabilities.
Officials also stress that all information submitted is kept confidential within the North Plainfield Police Department and will only be shared with law enforcement during an emergency.
Residents interested in registering can contact Sgt. Domizi at 908-769-2971 or email adomizi@northplainfieldnj.gov.
