Special Needs

Dear Parent or Caretaker,  

I am the parent of a child with special needs. I understand, firsthand, the concerns about how our loved ones will function in real world settings. The Great Falls Public School District does a great job of teaching our loved ones the life skills needed to live as independently and as integrated as possible. We at the Great Falls Police Department want to promote that as well.

As police officers, we often come in contact with persons with special needs. Those with autism, like my daughter, are 7 times more likely to have contact with law enforcement. To increase the likelihood of a positive outcome, police officers receive ongoing training on how to interact with people with special needs.

But we need your help. You are the best source of information when it comes to your loved one. You know their likes and dislikes, as well as their triggers and sensory issues. You can give us guidance regarding effective de-escalation techniques and other things we should know, should we come in contact with your family member.

Below is a form which will aid our officers and other emergency personnel during such an encounter. Complete the form and return it to the Police Department. The confidential information, including the photo, will be entered into the Great Falls & Cascade County Emergency Communications database.

We strive to provide all Great Falls citizens with the best service. Thank you for taking steps to help us achieve that goal. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Capt. John Schaffer
GFPD Patrol Services Bureau