Specialized Alerts for Enhanced Response
Goals:
The goal of the SAFER program is to provide members of public safety, primarily law enforcement and emergency medical services, with critical information regarding a person with special needs. When responding to a call for service or similar incident that involves a person with special needs, first responders receive information about that person through an “alert”. Information contained in the “alert” are things like specific conditions, potential triggers, and effective de-escalation techniques. The “alert” signifies to members of public safety that they may be encountering a person who needs specialized communication, care, or interventions, specific to their unique needs. “Alerts” are generated when a registered address or person is entered into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and records management system (RMS).
Register:
If you would like to register a person with special needs into the city’s SAFER system, there are two choices to do so. (If you fill out the online form, the information will be directly transferred to our processing area.)
The first option is to fill it out electronically via the online form. Once an online form is filled out and submitted, a member from the Milwaukee Police Department will be contacting you to verify the data on the sheet. Once the information is verified, the information will be entered into the Police Department’s record management system (RMS) and the Department of Emergency Communication’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
The second way information may be received is to print and fill out a paper copy of the form. Once the paper form is filled out, you may turn that form into any of the Police Department’s district stations. Once the form is received by a district station, the information will be verified. Once the information is verified, the paper form will be inter-office mailed to our processing area where it will be entered into the Police Department’s record management system (RMS) and the Department of Emergency Communication’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.
If you print and fill out a paper form, when completed, simply turn it in at any of our local district stations.
FAQ's
Q: What conditions are considered for the SAFER program?
A: The special needs registry is intended to assist first responders with individuals who require additional or unique support due to physical, developmental, intellectual, emotional, or behavioral conditions. Medical only conditions (diabetes, stroke, COPD, Asthma, etc.) are generally not considered to be part of the SAFER program.
Q: How long does the registration last?
A: The information provided will remain in our RMS and CAD systems for 1 year. After 1 year, it will be purged out of the systems. If after 1 year, you would like to continue being a part of the SAFER program, re-submit the information via the online or paper forms.
Q: Who has access to the information I provide?
A: The information provided will remain confidential, and for official use only, and will only be available to members of the Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments and the Department of Emergency Communications.
Q: Should I provide this information?
A: The information provided is strictly voluntary.
Q: Who can provide the information gathered for the SAFER program?
A: Any authorized parent, guardian, or caretaker is allowed to provide information for an individual to be registered in the SAFER program.
Q: The person with special needs does not have residency in the City of Milwaukee, can they still be registered?
A: If the person with special needs does not live in the City of Milwaukee, but frequents another location in the City of Milwaukee like a care center, work, or school, then it certainly is permitted.
Q: How are the first responders notified of a SAFER alert?
A: There are two ways a SAFER alert is triggered. The first scenario occurs when an address is entered into the CAD system for a call for service. This action causes a “flag” in the CAD system to be produced. When the call for service is dispatched, the dispatcher will read the information as an “alert” to the responding members. The second way an alert is triggered is when a dispatcher or law enforcement officer “runs” the registered person through our databases. The response from our databases will result in an SAFER alert.
Q: What information is included in the SAFER alert?
A: Any of the information provided may be used in the SAFER alert. Information primarily available in the alert would be the registered persons name, sex, race, date of birth, and address(es) provided. Additionally, there will be information on the person’s demographics, primary and secondary condition(s), known triggers / dislikes, best approach methods, and preferred method of communication. Information provided that is not contained within the alert can be obtained by calling our processing area to get all the information on the form.
Q: If there are changes to my submission anytime during the year or if I want to withdraw from the program what should I do?
A: If you need to make changes to a submission after it has been received or would like to withdraw from the program, please contact (414) 935-3814.
If you have further questions regarding the program, you may call (414) 935-3814 to speak to someone or email mpd_safer@milwaukee.gov.