South San Francisco Police Launches Project Guardian Program
Published on April 02, 2024
New registry enhances community safety through proactive support for vulnerable individuals
The South San Francisco Police Department is pleased to announce the implementation of Project Guardian, a voluntary registry program that allows caregivers and family members 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 managed and maintained by the police department.
“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,” shares Chief Scott Campbell. “It will allow us to better effectively serve and support our community.”
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.
Requested information includes the person’s diagnosis, level of functionality, history of wandering, their preferred communication mode, potential triggers, calming techniques, and a photograph.
Project Guardian participants will receive stickers to display on their front door or on their vehicle, alerting responding officers that a Project Guardian participant may be present during the contact.
“The City of South San Francisco has been at the forefront of implementing initiatives that help make our community a safe place to live,” said City Manager Sharon Ranals. “Earlier this year, South Francisco was one of the first cities to support CORA’s (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) campaign, SPEAK UP, and now we’re excited to launch Project Guardian to further support our police officers’ efforts in protecting the vulnerable members of our community.”
For more information on Project Guardian, or to register a loved one into the program, please visit the Police Department section of the City of South San Francisco website at www.ssf.net.
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About the City of South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with 217 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.