Abilene PD launches Guardian Program to aid those with communication challenges
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — Abilene police are implementing a new online program designed to aid individuals with communication challenges.
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The Abilene Police Department (APD) has introduced the Guardian Program to offer a safety net for families and caregivers of at-risk individuals with medical or other significant conditions. This initiative aims to provide support in situations where emergency services are needed. APD Public Information Coordinator Rick Tomlin outlined how this registration system will aid officers in a Silver Alert or missing adult situation.
“It’s a program that helps a loved one to put information on someone that they know that lives in their household, that they either have verbal issues and they can’t verbally communicate with somebody [or] if they have Alzheimer’s or if they’re autistic, if they’re deaf, something like that. They sign up their loved one through the program, and that way, when that’s reported to the police department, we can get in there and know who they are, get contact information, and get vital information on them so we can help find them faster,” Tomlin explained.
APD has shared that the program is entirely voluntary and aims to ensure the safety of individuals who may be more vulnerable. This includes people with conditions such as autism, deafness, Alzheimer’s, or any other condition that affects communication. Tomlin explained that officers can adjust their approach and response to better meet their needs when they are aware of a person’s specific condition.
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