COUNTY — The Union County Prosecutor’s Office (UCPO), under the leadership of Prosecutor William A. Daniel, announces the launch of the Special Needs Registry, a comprehensive resource available to support all law enforcement agencies in Union County.
This program aims to enhance communication and understanding between law enforcement officers and individuals with disabilities and special health needs, including those with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, deafness and hearing loss, blindness and vision loss, physical disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.
“The Special Needs Registry is a vital tool that fosters safer interactions between law enforcement and our residents with various disabilities and special health needs,” said Prosecutor Daniel. “By providing officers with readily available information about these individuals, we can ensure they are equipped to respond with empathy and understanding, deescalate potentially volatile situations, and provide respectful and effective assistance.”
The registry allows individuals or an authorized family member or caregiver to voluntarily register, providing details such as name, contact information, nature of the person’s needs, communication preferences, triggers or potential challenges during interactions with law enforcement, and emergency contact information.
This information is securely stored and accessible only to authorized law enforcement personnel when responding to a call for service involving a registered individual.
“We are committed to building trust and positive relationships with all residents in our communities, inclusive of those with disabilities and special health needs,” said Union County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Dr. Harvey Barnwell. “The Special Needs Registry is a valuable resource that will help us better serve, support, protect, and respond to all residents of Union County.”
Some of the benefits of the Special Needs Registry include: improved understanding and communication (officers can access information about an individual’s specific needs and preferences, allowing them to modify their approach for a more positive and effective interaction); de-escalation of potential conflict (by understanding triggers and challenges, officers can actively, respectfully, and safely deescalate situations that may arise due to an individual’s special needs.); enhanced safety and well-being (the registry ensures that individuals with special needs receive the appropriate assistance and support during police encounters.); and greater community trust (the launch of the registry demonstrates the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement agencies’ commitment to inclusivity and serving the needs of all community members.).
Beginning January 16, 2024, individuals with disabilities and special health needs or their families can register online at ucpo.org/specialneeds- registry or by contacting their local law enforcement agency.
“As the Union County Prosecutor’s Office introduces the Special Needs Registry, we begin a crucial journey towards a community defined by inclusivity and understanding,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “This initiative is more than just a resource; it’s a commitment to building connections between law enforcement and residents with diverse needs. This registry will provide officers with not just data, but insights into individual stories, preferences, challenges, and special health needs. The Union County Board of County Commissioners, support this registry as it is not just a launch; it’s a testament to our dedication to a safer, more compassionate Union County. I encourage all residents with disabilities and special health needs to sign up for this registry.”
In partnership with the Online Policing Solutions (OPS) Network, as part of the National Special Needs Registry, local agencies will have the ability to access registries from counties around the state in order to foster a more collaborative approach to public safety.
There are currently several County Prosecutor’s Offices, with over 100 local, county, and state law enforcement agencies utilizing and accessing the OPS Special Needs Registry. This cross-jurisdictional registry allows for an individual registered in one of those areas to have their relevant information accessible should they need assistance while within the borders of another.
The Union County Prosecutor’s launch of the Special Needs Registry is a step in the ongoing process of equipping officers with critical information to support effective and respectful interactions.
