Program seeks to improve emergency aid for citizens with special needs
From the moment you dial 911, every second matters when responding to an emergency.
That's why the Germantown Police Department is working to improve its response times, specifically when it comes to those with special needs.
GPD launched a new public safety initiative called the 'Special Needs Safety Information' program.
According to the City of Germantown, family members and caregivers can share key information about their loved ones who may have difficulty communicating with first responders. That information includes the person's name, age, picture, address, and any relevant medical needs or behaviors.
Germantown PD Captain Jack Antonuk says the information will help officers know more about the individual and their specific needs beforehand so they can better respond to the situation.
'If we have a missing person from 123 Main Street, when that street is entered into our police system, there would be an alert that Joe Smith resides there and has dementia and wanders off. We'd be able to provide that information quickly to all the officers that are on the street, whether they're responding to that call or not,' said Captain Jack Antonuk with the Germantown Police Department.
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Organizations advocating for the rights and personal enrichment of the lives of those with intellectual disabilities, such as The Arc Mid-South and Thrive Memphis, say they fully support the program.
Carlene Leaper is the executive director for The Arc Mid-South and says knowing the behaviors of an individual in advance could help officers better de-escalate tense situations.
'A wrong situation can go bad at any time. You can misunderstand a person with autism for a person who's really having aggressive behavior, and that is not the case,' said Leaper.
She says the program can also be a way to ensure that officers are staying in compliance with the ADA, which mandates that law enforcement provide services and accommodations to people with disabilities.
'If they are equipped with that information prior to, they will follow ADA and provide an accommodation to that person, and they will decrease the risk of harm,' Leaper said.
Captain Antonuk says the program is 100% voluntary. He says all information will be kept confidential.
The program is only for Germantown Residents. To learn more or find out if your loved one qualifies, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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