top of page
Search

Cumberland Co, PA: Police create registry app for citizens with special needs

May 1, 2025, Fox43, Harrisburg, PA: Cumberland County police launch app to aid citizens with special needs 

Cumberland County police launched a registry app in a partnership with police stations to better assist individuals with autism and dementia.


CAMP HILL, Pa. — In Cumberland County, police are starting a new service to help citizens with autism, dementia and other special needs.


It started with a routine call 11 years ago when Sergeant Keith Stambaugh shared he was responding to a call for an elderly woman with dementia.


“I spent probably two hours with her trying to find where she belongs, so that stuck in my mind. It’s like, there’s got to be a better way,” Stambaugh said.


This led to his idea, a registry with photos and information about those in the community with autism, dementia and other special needs that would allow officers to respond with extra care.


Cumberland County District Attorney Seán McCormack had no hesitation in supporting the idea. . . .


“When you have a problem, instead of complaining, to find solutions and this is a perfect example of that,” McCormack said. 


Once approved, family members complete a form by uploading a photo. They can list emergency contacts and information about the person’s condition and ways that could help de-escalate a situation.


This is provided to the officers in a secure police-force-only accessible app.


The app also has a facial recognition feature where officers can take a photo or with a name, identify the person and pull up their information sheet the family member fills out.

“I hope at some point this saves a life,” Stambaugh said.

Sgt. Stambough hopes that other police stations across the country adopt the registry and help better serve those citizens who need extra care.



 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page