Person With Special Needs Database Program

Persons with Special Needs Database Program

The Stow Police Department has established a database for residents with autism spectrum disorder or other special needs. Occasionally, Stow Police Officers encounter an individual who is unable to provide us with any or accurate information regarding their identity, home address, or contact information for family members.

The purpose of this database is to provide us with an ability to check when we encounter such a person and to assist us in reuniting them with their family.  Once a person is in the database, his or her information is placed with the Stow Police Department’s record management system. This information then becomes available to officers responding to a call for help or assistance with an autistic or special needs person.

Stow Police Autism Database  Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Stow Police Special Needs Database?

The Database for People with Autism or any special needs is a Stow Police project in partnership with the residents of Stow.  The database promotes communication and gives police quick access to critical information about a person with autism or special needs in a police emergency by capturing information such as a full description, routine/favorite attractions, communication and other special needs as well as emergency contact information.

If I don't live in Stow, can I still register my child/dependent adult in the Database?

Yes.  If you or the individual does not live in Stow, however visits, goes to school or events in Stow then you can register your child/dependent adult with our department. To be truly effective, this form will require your permission to be shared with the jurisdictional law enforcement agency, in which your child/dependent adult resides or visits on a regular basis. (i,e, for school, daycare, etc.)

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

No.  The registration form will need to be entered into a number of policing systems in order to capture all relevant information.  It is hoped that this process will be quick but it may take up to two to four business days to be fully processed.

Who has access to my child's profile?

Stow 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. Information is shared by all police agencies; however, consent of the individual involved, or their parent/guardian, is required before any information is shared among police agencies or fire department personnel, including schools.

Can I update my profile more than every year 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.

Will I be notified about annual renewals?

The renewals are the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian.  It is recommended that you renew the registration during the month of the registrant’s birthday.  However updates will be accepted when submitted, and there are no limit on the amount of updates that can be submitted.

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 officers without having to ask the parents during a high stress situation.

How will this database 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 who is looking for the missing person.

If the individual has not been reported and is incapable of effectively communicating his/her name to an officer, a computer check of the neighborhood, coupled with the physical appearance, 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.

What guarantees do we have that the interaction between our child/dependent adult and the police will be positive once he/she is registered?

There is no guarantee with this database of positive outcome. What the database allows is the ability for patrol officers to have necessary information faster in order to begin searching. Also, if an officer comes across a "wandering" child who is unable to communicate, the officer, if they recognize the condition, can have the database queried for persons on the database that live in the area.

What is important to stress is that simply having a person registered with the database is not going to change police responses in every instance involving an individual with special needs. Police will act according to procedure depending on circumstances.

How do I sign up?

Click on the below attachment to download the form, or stop by the Stow Police Station.  Once completed, send the form and a photograph either by email to Sgt. Michael Sallese at msallese@stow-ma.gov or by mail to

                                                            Stow Police Department

                                                            Special Needs Response Form

                                                            C/O Sgt. Sallese

                                                            305 Great Road

                                                            Stow, MA 01775