The Winter Park Police Department has implemented a new program designed to assist residents with disabilities. According to the Winter Park Police Department website, the “Do You Know Me?” program aims to “expedite the safe return of persons with special needs to their loved ones.” The department plans to achieve this initiative by providing “valuable information during responses to their home.”
Through a form on the department’s official website, community members are invited to submit identifying information about persons with disabilities as well as any information that will aid first responders in understanding how to best interact with them. In addition to name, address and date of birth, other details of the form include native language, preferred method of communication, potential to run away or elope, medical information, primary caregiver contact information and special instructions. Example special instructions outlined by Winter Park Police Department include calming techniques, fascination with traffic, and fear of loud noises or bright lights. Photos can also be attached. This information will be housed in a secure database only available to Police and Fire-Rescue personnel.
Once entered, citizens can update or delete previously submitted information by contacting Master Police Officer Jim Whitman at jwhitman@cityofwinterpark.org.