Moore PD S.A.ID. Program

Moore Police Department launches new initiative to better serve individuals with special needs in times of crisis

BY: Rae Lynn Payton

The S.A.ID. (Special Needs Alert and Identification) Program is designed to help first responders and the community work together to assist those with special needs during emergency situations. The new resource, recently adopted by the Moore Police Department, equips police officers, firefighters and other first responders with pertinent and relevant information that will aid with response protocols to individuals that meet the criteria.

“At the Moore Police Department, we really enjoy having a positive relationship with our community and are always looking for ways to strengthen that relationship and strengthen that transparency in communication,” explained Moore Chief of Police Todd Gibson.

When a call is made to 911, a S.A.ID. alert will open if any of the names or locations included in the call are enrolled in the system. This allows first responders to gain insight on an individual’s specific needs so that they may use the best strategies and obtain the best resources to help those individuals prior to arriving on the scene.

Different events can trigger different reactions, depending on a person’s needs. The S.A.ID. program is a tool that gives first responders information ahead of time to allow them to effectively de-escalate and peacefully resolve potential problems.

Residents of Moore can now complete an online form to enroll. A S.A.ID. alert is then created in Moore’s secure communications database. The system is not public record or available on air. Privacy is of the utmost importance and strictly available for only first responders to use, Gibson explained.

The department is urging community members to register or register their loved ones if they qualify. Individuals with physical or mental impairments that could require special assistance should register.

“It’s a very simple process, with a huge return during times of crisis in an emergency. For example, a person with autism might not respond well to lights and sirens. This allows us to prepare ahead of time to best meet their needs,” shared Gibson.

Between the creation of the S.A.ID program, as well as having additional training on how to appropriately respond to various needs, the Moore Police Department continues to prioritize its citizens and safety for all involved.

“We feel like the S.A.ID. program is one of many steps that we have taken and will continue to take in building that positive relationship with our community and partnering with them to create a city that’s desirable to live in and enhancing our community by making impacts on individual lives. That’s important to us,” Gibson shared.

To complete an online form, visit cityofmoore.com/said. After registering, if there are any significant changes in registrants’ lives, location or status, call 405-793-5139 or update the form online as needed, An annual review is recommended to ensure important information is up to date. –19SM

Leo, a schnauzer-poodle mix, serves as a therapy dog for the department. Leo’s partner is Officer Sara Gurchinoff.

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