Project Guardian

The South San Francisco Police Department is pleased to announce the implementation of Project Guardian. Project Guardian provides caregivers and family members with the opportunity to register vulnerable persons and those with special needs (including but not limited to Autism, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or mental health diagnoses) into a free, confidential database which is managed and maintained by the police department. Information that is provided will be entered into the department’s records management system and will be available to officers if they contact the program participant.

Access to this sensitive information can be extremely useful when interacting with those who are vulnerable or have special needs. Requested information includes but is not limited to the person’s diagnosis, level of functionality, history of wandering, their preferred communication mode, potential triggers, and calming techniques. A photograph is also requested which would assist officers in the event the participant ever goes missing. The goal of the program is to provide officers with as much relevant information as possible prior to an interaction so they can effectively communicate with the vulnerable person, build trust, and de-escalate situations when necessary.

Project Guardian participants will be sent stickers which can be displayed next to their front door or on their vehicle. The stickers will alert responding officers that a Project Guardian participant may be present during the contact.

If you would like to register your loved one into the Project Guardian program, please utilize the attached link.