In the past, it was hard for police officers to interact with people who had disabilities. There is a new app that will make it easier for police officers to communicate with disabled people. The name of the app is Vitals Aware Service. The St. Cloud Police Department has been using this app for the past week.
People can use the Vitals Aware Service app to fill out personalized profiles, de-escalation techniques and emergency contact forms. It is free to use this app. Parents, caregivers and people with disabilities can use this app. After a person signs up for the app, they will get a beacon. They can wear the beacon on their necklaces, watches or shoelaces.
When a police officer comes in contact with a beacon, they will get an alert on their phone. If someone does not like police officers, then they will know to call in an officer who is dressed in regular clothing. The app can also tell them to send a police officer who can communicate with someone who is non-verbal.
Additionally, if the person doesn’t like to be touched, then the officer will know that they need to stay several feet away. The officer will already know how they should interact with the person when they answer the call. Police officers only respond when they need to provide assistance.
If someone with Dementia or Parkinson’s disease goes missing, then the police officer can use the app to find them. Blair Anderson is the police chief. He stated that Vital is a tool that allows people to work smarter. He also said that their goal is to help people in need by connecting them with the right resources.
Every squad car has a smartphone with the app on it. The officers said that the cost is minimal and has a lot of benefits.
Dil Bole Oberoi
