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Countywide first-responders awareness program introduced to Roeland Park
Summary
Roeland Park officials heard a presentation on a voluntary "first responders awareness" campaign that pairs choice decals, a blue-envelope voluntary-disclosure system and an information card to help responders communicate with neurodivergent and crisis-affected residents. Staff estimated local materials under $600 to start.
Sergeant Stuart Brutt of the Overland Park response unit presented the First Responders Awareness Campaign to the Roeland Park City Council, explaining the program’s three pillars: optional decals for residences, a "blue envelope" for voluntary disclosure in vehicles and a pocket information card for individuals. "Voluntary self advocacy," Brutt said, is "the pinnacle of this whole program and what makes it work." He said the approach was adapted from Overland Park and other jurisdictions and is intended to be used by all first responders countywide.
Brutt walked the council through how the program works in practice: a reflective decal placed near entryways, a sealed envelope kept in vehicles that the resident may choose to provide during interaction, and an information card that can give a name, reason for contact and address. He described cost estimates for initial materials at under $600 for a starter package and said training materials and a short video are available to ensure consistent officer response. Council members asked about unintended risks of visible stickers; Brutt repeatedly emphasized voluntary disclosure and the importance of individual choice when deciding whether to show a decal or envelope.
Council members noted timing and rollout plans. The presenters said countywide distribution will begin in April to align with Autism Awareness Month and that Johnson County Mental Health is the distribution point for the information cards. Council did not take formal action; staff will coordinate distribution and training with the police department and county partners.
