The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service offers a Wandering and/or Vulnerable Person Registry for families and caregivers of people living in Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township.
FAQs
Who might qualify as a "Wandering or Vulnerable Person"?
The registry is for wandering and/or vulnerable people who are living with…
- Autism
- Alzheimer’s Disease or other forms of dementia
- An acquired brain injury
- An intellectual disability, and/or
- Any other vulnerability
…who may exhibit patterns of behaviour that may pose a risk to themselves or others.
Such behaviours may include…
- A tendency to wander
- The inability to communicate
- Fascination or attraction to water, construction sites, etc.
- Social responses such as fear of strangers and aggression
What is the benefit of registering?
By registering a wandering and/or vulnerable person, you will grant Sault Police the ability to quickly access critical information about the person’s description, routines, communication, medical needs, favourite places, additional needs, and emergency contact information.
The information provided will only be used by first responders to assist you and/or your loved one in a crisis.
What information is required to register?
During registration, you will be asked to provide information such as:
- Name of wandering and/or vulnerable person
- Date of birth, address and phone number
- Physical descriptors, including marks, scars and/or tattoos
- Emergency contact information
- Methods of approach/de-escalation techniques
- Objects or attractions that interest the wandering vulnerable person
- A photograph of the face of the wandering/vulnerable person (JPEG format only)
- Medical concerns
Who can I contact with questions about registering?
Questions about the collection, use, or disclosure of the personal information may be directed to the Sergeant of the Central Support Bureau by calling 705-949-6300 ext. 114
Partner Agencies
Algoma Autism Foundation: “The Algoma Autism Foundation was founded in 2013 by a dedicated group who found a lack of support for people with autism in Sault Ste Marie and wanted to bring assistance and education to the citizens of this great community. We endeavor to foster acceptance in our community for all those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. “
Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District: “We work to help people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma District.”
Autism Ontario Sault Ste. Marie: “The work we do helps all autistic individuals and families in their communities have access to meaningful supports, information, and connections so they are equitably and seamlessly supported across their life course.”
MedicAlert Foundation Canada: “MedicAlert is the only medical ID service in Canada that provides 24/7 emergency support, ensuring First Responders have rapid access to critical health information and delivering essential updates to designated emergency contacts to facilitate life-saving emergency health decisions.”
Sault Search and Rescue: “Established in 1958! The heart and soul of SSAR is the dedicated volunteer workforce consisting of skilled searchers, pilots, search coordinators and others, including mechanics, cooks, instructors, communication specialists and essential support personnel who contribute their skills at no cost.”
The City of Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Autism Strategy: “The goal of the municipal autism strategy, developed in consultation with various community partners, is to assist families, caregivers and individuals dealing with an autism diagnosis and to assist them with accessing available services.”
Vulnerable Persons Registry: “The Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR) is a free, voluntary and confidential service aimed at improving the safety of residents living at home who would be at greater risk during emergencies. The VPR improves safety by providing key information to emergency response teams in order to help them be more aware when addressing large scale emergencies.”