Families with special needs members can now register with the Westland Police Department to ensure appropriate responses.
The police department has established a 911 registry for Westland families who live with someone who has disabilities, such as autism or Alzheimer's disease. Residents can complete a form and submit it to the department. The pertinent information will be entered into the dispatch system, alerting officers to any special circumstances at the residence.
If officers are dispatched to an address that has completed the registry form, an alert will be placed on the address notifying police of any pertinent information before responding. The goal of the registry is to prevent situations such as lights/siren causing an epileptic seizure or miscommunication when interacting with someone who is non-verbal or autistic.
The form is available at the Westland Police Department and at Westland City Hall during business hours, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
