What is the Jupiter Police Department’s Special Needs Registry? 

The Special Needs Registry is an initiative of the Jupiter Police Department. Its purpose is to compile and maintain a list of individuals who have “special needs” due to mental or neurological disabilities and who may reside or frequently visit the Town of Jupiter. Residents are invited to proactively provide information about a loved one with special needs of any age, who may require special assistance in an emergency or interaction with Jupiter Police Officers. The registration is completely voluntary.

How to register 

To register for the Special Needs Registry, complete the Special Needs Registry Form and turn it into the Jupiter Police Department lobby Monday through Friday 8 am- 5 pm. Parents and caregivers may voluntarily enroll a person with a medical condition or disability, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alzheimer’s or Dementia, Bipolar Disorder, and Down Syndrome. Adults with special needs may also enroll themselves.

What happens once the person is registered? 

When a Police Officer has contact with the person on this form, our 911 center can provide us with the information needed to successfully interact and communicate with your loved one, as well as provide us with your contact information.

Who is eligible? 

The registry has been developed with the intent to serve all members (adult or juvenile) of our community or people who frequent our community who have a “special need” and want to register with the Jupiter Police Department.

As soon as I register, will the information be immediately available in case police response is required? 

No. The registration form will need to be entered in order to capture all relevant information. The process may take up to two (2) weeks to be fully processed. You will receive a wrist band with a “number” when you register and an identification card that will be mailed to you from the police department.

Who has access to my child's profile? 

Jupiter Police personnel who require this information in the performance of their duties will have access to the information. There are strict regulations with respect to accessing and disseminating information. The sharing of this information with other police agencies during an emergency can be helpful when a person is registered in Jupiter but wanders off in another jurisdiction.

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

You may, however, only information that has a significant impact on policing response will be necessary. Some examples would include a change in address, school, or emergency contact. You do not need to report a change in hair cut or color, for example, as the police are familiar with the changes that can be made and are more likely to notice height, weight and eye color. Changes can be made on a new registry form.

After my child/dependent adult is registered, and if there is an incident, do I need to do something to notify the police? 

It is preferable that you let the police know that the individual is already registered. In doing so, the information will be immediately disseminated to the vehicles without having to ask the parents/guardians during a high-stress situation.

How will this registry help if my child/dependent adult goes missing? 

If the individual goes missing and is reported by the parent/guardian, information about his/her physical appearance, the most likely places where he/she would go to, as well as triggers, stimulants, and de-escalation techniques will be sent to every police officer in the area to look for the missing person. If the individual has not been reported and is incapable of effectively communicating his/her name or address to an officer, a computer check of the neighborhood, coupled with the physical appearance, and may allow us to identify the individual more quickly. This will then allow us to use the contact information to connect with the parents/guardians.