In order to better serve those within our community, the Denville Police Department has implemented a new program to help first responders identify and more accurately assist those who may have special needs.  The new program, referred to as the Special Needs Registry, creates a database available to our officers and other first responders that will enable them to quickly identity those within our community who have special needs and, more importantly, to help them understand how to best interact with the individual in order to achieve a safe and effective outcome of any interaction.

All residents of Denville Township, as well as non-residents who may work or attend school in town, with special needs are eligible to register for the program.  A short application/questionnaire requests various identifying information about the registrant (to include a recent photograph), who best to contact in an emergency, a description of their unique special need(s) and an explanation as to the best way for our first responders to safely and effectively communicate and interact with them.  One example of how the program will assist first responders is by helping them to identify and safely return any special needs individual that has wandered away from their home or loved ones.

The Special Needs Registry is designed for those within our community who may be challenged with developmental disabilities such as Autism, Dementia and Down Syndrome, or any other identified special need(s).  Interested family members may register their loved one by completing the application/questionnaire and returning it to the department’s Community Services Bureau by mail, e-mail or in-person at police headquarters.  The program is completely voluntary and all information provided is kept confidential.

Applications/questionnaires for the Special Needs Registry can be downloaded HERE or may be picked up from police headquarters at any time.  Anyone who may have any questions regarding the program are asked to contact either Sgt. Dennis Subrizi (973-627-4900 ext. 365; dsubrizi@denvillepolice.org) or Police Officer Matthew Zurlo (973-627-4900 ext. 332; mzurlo@denvillepolice.org).