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Highland Falls rolls out 'Safe Need' QR program to help first responders locate residents with special needs
Summary
The Highland Falls Police and a trustee announced 'Safe Need,' a free QR‑code ID program that links a small digital profile to dispatch; the program aims to assist officers communicating with residents who have dementia, autism or other conditions.
Trustees and police announced a partnership to launch a voluntary identification program called 'Safe Need' to help first responders better communicate with residents who have dementia, autism or other special needs. Participating households will receive a QR‑code tag that, when scanned by police dispatch, provides non‑public information about the person’s triggers, medical needs and emergency contacts.
Chief Torpy described the system as a confidential tool that integrates with the police dispatch system and is voluntary and free: "It's free. It's completely voluntary. We treat everybody's information confidentially," he said. Trustees said paper and digital forms will be available at the senior center and that the program could be shared with neighboring jurisdictions, including Fort Montgomery and West Point, to aid interagency responses.
The board encouraged residents to sign up and indicated forms will be available at upcoming community events and the senior center.
