An example of the fillable Cognitive Impairment Indicator Form on Blackstone Police’s website. (Photo courtesy Blackstone Police Department)
BLACKSTONE — Police Chief Gregory Gilmore is pleased to announce that Town residents with loved ones who have cognitive impairments can now participate in a new Blackstone Police Department initiative to keep them safe.
“The public can go to our website and find a fillable Cognitive Impairment Indicator Form under resources,” Chief Gilmore said. “When it’s filled out, that form will go directly to me, and I’ll take that form, print it, and disseminate it to dispatchers and officers. It will be entered into our Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.”
Chief Gilmore embraced the new program after a local mother approached the Board of Selectmen after her young son, who has autism and limited communication skills, went missing overnight.
The child left the family home at 4 a.m. on a Sunday morning. Luckily, a local police officer found him and recognized the boy. His family changed the locks on their home but worried it could happen again.
The child’s mother contacted the Blackstone Board of Selectmen, urging them to launch a new initiative that could help keep children and adults with cognitive impairments safe.
In response, the Blackstone Police Department added Cognitive Impairment Indicator Forms to their website. Loved ones of individuals who have cognitive impairments, like autism or Alzheimer’s, can go online, fill out the form, and even include a photograph. In the future, if the subject of the form needs help from local police, they’ll already be aware of the individual’s special needs.
The forms are available to all residents with cognitive impairment, from young children to elderly residents with dementia. Family members’ information can provide critical information to first responders in an emergency.
Chief Gilmore embraced the idea. The Blackstone Police Department’s Cognitive Impairment Indicator Form also includes questions that may help first responders locate a missing child or senior.
The questions include: “Favorite Places to go? Attractions, locations, bodies of water, movies, playgrounds etc. Atypical behaviors or characteristics that may attract the attention of responders? Interests? Calming Methods? Specific topics, toys, music, shows, etc. Dislikes (Bright lights, loud noises, etc.) Individual’s preferred method of communication (tablet, sign language, etc.) Does the individual carry identifications including medical bracelets?”
Chief Gilmore said the concerned mom’s inquiry inspired the effort.
“The mother is a resident in town who has an autistic child,” Chief Gilmore said. “She originally reached out to a member of the Board of Selectmen who also has an autistic child. And she told us about a program in another jurisdiction.”
Chief Gilmore also said that residents who may not be “tech savvy” can fill out the form in person at police headquarters rather than online.
“Our concern is the safety of the persons that are in need of additional services; not just autistic children, but this could also include the elderly, people with Alzheimer’s, anyone who may not be able to help themselves,” Chief Gilmore said. “It’s a win for us because it should help us locate someone quicker, and obviously, it’s a win for the community.”
To fill out the form, go to the Blackstone Police Department’s website, www.blackstonepolice.org. The form is located under the “Resources” category. Or click here to go directly to the form.
Blackstone Police Blue Envelope Program
Earlier this year, Blackstone Police also launched the Blue Envelope program, which aims to improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals on the autism spectrum.
The Blue Envelope Project was created via a partnership among the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Massachusetts State Police, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, and The Arc of Massachusetts, along with input from individuals with autism and their families.
The project offers a blue envelope to any driver on the autism spectrum. The driver can store their vital driving documents — vehicle registration, driver’s license, and a contact card — in an easy-to-find envelope that can be provided to police in the event of a traffic stop.
The outside of each envelope contains tips and instructions for law enforcement members who encounter someone on the autism spectrum.
The goals of the program are to enhance understanding among police, reduce anxiety for drivers on the autism spectrum, streamline communication between police and those on the spectrum even in potentially high-stress situations like traffic stops, and encourage preparedness on the part of individuals on the autism spectrum.
The blue envelopes are available at any State Police barracks and at the Blackstone Police station, where dispatchers have them. They may also be available at other local police departments, but residents are advised to call ahead to check on availability.
For more information, visit: www.mass.gov/info-details/blue-envelope-program.
Residents with questions on either program can email Chief Gilmore at chief@blackstonepolice.org or call 508-883-1212.
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