A program designed to protect people with special needs and sponsored by local law enforcement agencies and  The Arc of Tri-Cities

WHERE TO REGISTER:

Project Guardian

What is Project Guardian?

Project Guardian, is a program developed to help keep people with special needs safe. Richland PD, Kennewick PD, Pasco PD and W. Richland PD have partnered with the Arc of Tri-Cities to adopt this program in an effort help keep your loved ones safe through shared information. The program is a free, voluntary, and confidential database offered, managed, and maintained by the law enforcement agency in the city in which you live. 

Often police do not know if individuals they encounter have special needs because often there are no telltale physical signs.  Flashing lights on an emergency vehicle, for example, might cause a person with special needs to become frightened and act out. Officers may not understand why an individual will not make eye contact with them, keep their fists clenched, or why they may flap their hands. What may seem like a simple interaction with police, could be a traumatic situation for a person with special needs, and it could be confusing to the officers.

How It Works

When a person with special needs is enrolled in the Project Guardian program, officers obtain basic information, a current digital photograph, family emergency contact information, and other information that might help officers when encountering the individual. The Arc of Tri-Cities has provided stickers to local law enforcement agencies for placement on home, vehicle, or other locations to alert law enforcement that they may be contacting someone enrolled in Project Guardian.

Enroll Now

Caregivers can register family with special needs by completing an online application. Please register for Project Guardian in the city in which you live. Stickers may be obtained from your city police department after registration is completed.

Sponsored by Kennewick Police Department, Pasco Police Department, Richland Police Department, West Richland Police Department, and The Arc of Tri-Cities