SLPD better equipped to help special sensory needs

SARANAC LAKE | The Saranac Lake Police Department now has Carter Kits sensory bags in each of its patrol vehicles to help provide comfort and a better response to situations involving people on the autism spectrum. Village Police said "Our job as responders is to alleviate stress and help mitigate situations. It is a main priority to first do no harm in our response, which includes minimizing any potential trauma." Individuals facing a crisis of any sort can find police, fire or EMS response to be stressful and when involving someone with sensory issues, this problem can be compounded tenfold, officials said. The lights, sirens, and stimulation of emergency response can be traumatic for these individuals. Chief Darin Perrotte hopes the kits will be beneficial in establishing rapport with persons with developmental disabilities and to enhance police response. "Our priority is to respond to everyone who needs our assistance and to aid them in a way that retains their dignity." Franklin County Community Services Director Suzanne Lavigne commented on the kits being deployed by the Saranac Lake Police, saying, "The kits will be of tremendous support to individuals and families. The Saranac Lake Police Department is often called to support community members in crisis and the kits will be an additional resource to calm and support an individual in need. I applaud Chief Perrotte in obtaining the kits and once again, supporting his officers and our community members." Dr. Marcie Goodrow EdD, Developmental Specialist, said "I am so excited to see this happening! I am in full support of the kits being used with all individuals with sensory processing differences in the event of an emergency. These tools can help to calm individuals and support communication in a stressful situation through the use of PECS pictures provided in the kit. I would love to see these be in all emergency vehicles across the North Country."

Signup for our newsletter

SLPD better equipped to help special sensory needs

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS