Monmouth County Special Needs Registry
Registries provide a voluntary opportunity for individuals with autism and their families to share critical information with law enforcement that will assist law enforcement in a potential response situation. Ready access to critical information, including emergency contact(s), photographs, physical descriptions, diagnoses, medical issues, stress inducers and reducers, and effective forms of communication, helps law enforcement better respond in an emergency. This information is confidentially maintained in shared Computer Assisted Dispatch (CAD) systems through a centralized dispatch or with the help of an integrated dispatch system through vendors such as Online Policing Solutions (OPS). Having information in advance assists in de-escalation, safe encounters, and decreased anxiety for the individual and their families.
As the Chief law enforcement officer in Monmouth County, it is my priority, and by extension that of our office, to be at the forefront of protecting individuals with special needs. It is a great source of pride for our office that the Monmouth County Special Needs Registry is used as a model for similar programs not only here in New Jersey, but across
the country, and even parts of Ontario, Canada.
Since I have taken the job as Prosecutor, I have stressed the need for our law enforcement agencies and members of our communities to work together to this end. The Registry is a shining example of that united effort, which includes our law enforcement partners across the County, including the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Shaun Golden, the Monmouth County Police Chief’s Association under the direction of its President, Highlands Police Chief Robert Burton, as well as all of our local law enforcement agencies.
However, that collaboration would not be possible without our Prosecutor’s Office liaisons, who have consistently been the ones out in the community meeting our residents, educating the public
on the importance of the Registry, as well as helping to equip our first responders with the tools necessary to understand what a registrant may be facing during a time of crisis. Congratulations to the entire Special Needs Registry Team for continuing to update and maintain this registry so that it upholds the very high standards that our communities deserve.
| Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago
Pictured: Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Michelle Tucker, Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, Sergeant Shawn Murphy, and Executive Assistant Rachel Kibble
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