Project Guardian goes into operation
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, April 12th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – Law enforcement agencies in the Tri-Cities are partnering with The Arc of the Tri-Cities to improve public safety services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The voluntary program called Project Guardian allows families with developmentally disabled persons to register with their local law enforcement agency. The registration process includes a photo, home address, emergency contact information, and any additional information that will equip law enforcement officers with useful information for identification and situation de-escalation methods.
In the past, officers performing wellness checks on non-communicative individuals had very little information. Project Guardian allows officers to quickly search for registered clients, reducing that search from a possible thousand community members to those 20-30 who are registered with the program. The stated goal is to create safe contact for officers and clients alike.
To learn more about the program and to register, visit the below websites:
Kennewick Police Department
https://www.go2kennewick.com/1443/Project-Guardian
Pasco Police Department
https://www.pasco-wa.gov/1249/Project-Guardian
Richland Police Department
