Programs

Special Needs Registry

The Special Needs Registry is a voluntary service open to all citizens. The registry was created to help police officers and other emergency service personnel to better assist residents with special needs in the event of an emergency by providing those first responders with vital information regarding a registrant’s disability, emergency contact information, a physical description and current photograph of the registrant. The goal of the Special Needs Registry is to ensure all residents who have Special Needs are able to get the help and support they need in a time of emergency or during interaction with Law Enforcement, Fire or EMS personnel.

Please Read:

  • Information provided to the registry will only be shared with first responders during an emergency or for the purpose of planning an emergency response.
  • An emergency can best be defined as any event that may require a response, immediate or otherwise, by law enforcement or other first responders. Examples of emergencies include but are not limited to medical emergencies, natural disasters, fires, mandatory evacuations and crimes in progress.
  • The information contained in the registry can help in several different ways. Upon being dispatched to a residence, police dispatchers will be made aware that someone at that location is on the registry. Depending upon the type of call, the dispatcher can better assess the type of response necessary and dispatch manpower and resources accordingly. Also, police officers and/or first responder will be notified that there may be someone at the location with special needs so that they can better gauge their respective responses.
  • In the event that a person with special needs is reported missing, first responders will have current photographs and other vital information at their fingertips that will aid in locating the missing person more expeditiously. In an emergency, time is of the essence.
  • There are two types of information on the registry, mandatory and non-mandatory. Mandatory information includes the registrants name, address, emergency contact information, nature of disability and a current photo. Non-mandatory information includes prescribed medications, doctor information and blood type. It will be up to the registrant as to how much of the non-mandatory information they wish to share.
  • The registry is open to any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities due to a physical and/or intellectual disability.
  • A person can register themselves or they can be registered by a caretaker or loved one.
  • There is no cost at all to register for the Special Needs Registry.
  • If you have an issue with your registration, or need to make a change to or update information, please contact your local police department who will assist you. By moving forward and completing the registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the above.
  • When registering, select Barrington Police Department when selecting an Agency
Register Here!

Garnet Country Police Outreach Program

The Garnet Country Outreach Program was created to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, mainly students within the high schools. The program is an educational based program where officers will teach students certain laws, rules, regulations, to give students a better idea of why law enforcement officers make certain decisions. The idea is to give students their own mindset and understanding when it comes to officers 

Initially, the program was intended for the sports teams at the Haddon Heights High School. A few officers met with the football team and scheduled events. All the officers involved were assigned a sports team and would conduct meetings on their own. 

As the year went on, the program was pushed forward where we received approval from the principal in Haddon Heights HS to teach the students during class. A time slot was given for about 45min to an 1.5hr. Each time they spoke to the students about different topics and would put them in real life scenarios to give them a better understanding of the job.  They also had students watch controversial videos and had open discussions. All topics were approved by the teacher and principal. 

This past summer, two events were coordinated with the football team where the football players competed against officers in different events then played a 7 on 7 football game.

The Garnet Country Outreach Program includes officers from Barrington, Haddon Heights, and Merchantville Police Departments.