Special Needs Registry

To register for the Special Needs Registry, complete and submit the Special Needs Registry Form online.

Parents and caregivers may enroll any person of any age with any medical condition or disability, including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alzheimer’s or Dementia, Bipolar Disorder, and Down syndrome. Adults with special needs may also enroll themselves. All forms must include an electronic signature of the person completing the registry form.

FAQs

Who is eligible?

The registry is developed with the intent to serve all members (adult or juvenile) living in Sterling Heights who have a special need and volunteer to register with the Sterling Heights Police Department.

As soon as I register, will the information be immediately available to responding police officers?

No. The content from the registration form must be entered into our internal Sterling Heights Police Department database, and then forwarded to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center. The process may take up to 2 weeks to finalize.

Who has access to my family member's profile?

Sterling Heights Police personnel who require this information in the performance of their official duties will have access to the information. This information may be shared with the Sterling Heights Fire Department and other emergency response agencies during an emergency situation, or if the registered person is missing within another jurisdiction. There are strict regulations with respect to accessing and disseminating this information.

Can I update my profile if there are changes? How do I do that?

Information can be updated anytime it might bring a significant impact on our policing response. Some examples would include a change in address or change in emergency contact information. Re-submitting a new Special Needs Registry form with the changed information will update the profile.

How will this registry help if my family member is missing?

If the registered individual is reported missing by the parent/guardian, responding Sterling Heights police officers have easy access to their information through the Special Needs Registry. Knowing an individual’s special needs (including triggers, stimulants, and de-escalation techniques) greatly assists our officers in locating your loved one, and safely handling an encounter.

If the individual is not reported missing, but otherwise is contacted by our police officers, a computer query of our Special Needs Registry may allow to quickly identify and reunite your loved one.