PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Local police departments are rolling out a new tactic to improve how they interact with people in different circumstances. The "Respond With Care" initiative, started by Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, lets first responders know when they are approaching someone with special needs.

What You Need To Know

  • "Respond With Care" stickers alert first responders that they are approaching someone with special needs

  • The effort was started by Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and has expanded to other local departments

  • To apply for a sticker, contact PSCO's Crime Prevention and Community Awareness Unit at 727-582-2222

PCSO is giving out stickers to people with special needs or their caregivers to display on a car or home to give first responders information about who is inside. The goal is to improve safety for both first responders and the people they’re helping.

“You never know who you’re going to be coming into contact with,” said Sgt. Amanda Sinni. “If police, fire, EMS, any first responder sees the sticker on a residence or on a car, they can know from the get-go that this person might have mobility issues, might not be able to hear or see or might have a cognitive difference, they can respond appropriately before they even make contact.”

It’s a new initiative, and the department is just starting to get requests for the stickers, but Sinni said so far the response from the community has been positive.

Brian Rothey works hand-in-hand with people that have special needs at the PARC Center for Disabilities. He said the program is a step towards making the world a more inclusive place for people with special needs.

“We see a lot of times individuals that do not react greatly towards loud noises, flashing lights, banging doors.” Rothey said. “So being able to know that you’re entering into a situation where individuals will not react appropriately or in a manner that law enforcement or first responders are typically used to it is great, and it’s also good for the individuals we serve.”

Rothey said the initiative will especially benefit people who have a goal of living independently. 

The Clearwater Police Department recently joined in on the effort. PSCO officials say other local departments have done the same and they want to keep building on the initiative.

To apply for a sticker, contact PSCO’s Crime Prevention and Community Awareness Unit at 727-582-2222.