LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Lebanon Police Department is creating a C.A.R.E. program to respond more proactively to vulnerable adults.

Lebanon's Community Assistance Registry for the Exceptional allows officers to have up-to-date information to help the most vulnerable in the city, including individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, as well as children who are on the autism spectrum.

Since police officers respond to 911 calls for people with anyone who require mental health assistance or special aid, they said communication is key to improving the quality of police responses.

The program helps officers recognize triggering words, learn calming strategies to help bring people back home safely or calm them down in an emergency.

Officials said this adds an extra layer of safety and protection beyond parents and caretakers. And just a small amount of information can help this community feel seen. 

Lebanon police officer Zachary Wesley said the C.A.R.E. program is a big win for the departments. He said officers are going into situations that are constantly changing and rapidly evolving. The right piece of information can be the one constant that they have when they're responding to an emergency.

“I hope that it brings awareness to our citizens that need a little bit of extra care and protection and guidance," Wesley said. "Hopefully it’s going to open up a new line of trust, which is huge for police departments, and show that we’re going to take the extra steps necessary to protect those that need a little bit more than others.”

This program is open to all ages and is voluntary. There is no specific medical information or diagnosis required. All information is confidential, and anyone in the program or their families can update their registry entry and withdraw their information upon request.

Anyone interested can complete the form to enroll in the program. Lebanon police encourage residents to stop any officer and ask for information on the program or visit the police department for assistance.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/lebanon-police-department-introduces-c-a-r-e-program-to-help-residents-with-mental-disabilities/