CORNWALL, Ontario – The Cornwall Community Police Service (CCPS) has launched a new Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR).
“A Vulnerable Person is defined as a person who may be in need of community care services by reason of mental illness, developmental disability or delay, other disability, age, illness or emotional disturbance and who is or may be unable to take care of himself or herself or unable to protect himself or herself against significant harm or serious exploitation,” the CCPS press release reads.
Family members or caregivers of vulnerable persons can register them with the CCPS on their website. To register, the CCPS will require an individual’s emergency contact information, a physical description, a photo, known routines, favorite attractions, and any other special needs.
The information will be accessible by the police and other emergency responders. The information will be used to help locate vulnerable individuals in an emergency or to de-escalate a volatile situation.
“The CCPS is proud to offer a service that will work to enhance the safety of vulnerable citizens,” said Chief Designate Danny Aikman. “It is critical that we are able to meet the needs of our community and continue to introduce new methods of ensuring the safety of the public.”
CCPS has partnered in this initiative with the MedicAlert Foundation Canada and the Alzheimer Society Cornwall & District.
Those interested in learning more are asked to visit http://www.cornwallpolice.com or contact Constable Sherri Cameron at (613) 933-5000 ext. 2454.