Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Special Needs Registry?
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The Atlantic County Special Needs Registry is a voluntary service open to all citizens who reside, attend school or are employed in Atlantic County that are affected in some way by a disability.
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More specifically, the Atlantic County Special Needs Registry is a database maintained by the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office that contains profiles of registrants with disabilities. The information provided to the registry provides law enforcement and other first responders with vital information about a registrant’s special needs in the event of an emergency.
2. Who has access to the registrant’s profile?
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Information provided to the registry will only be shared with first responders during an emergency or for the purpose of planning an emergency response.
3. What is considered an emergency?
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An emergency can best be defined as any event that may require a response, immediate or otherwise, by law enforcement or other first responders. Examples of emergencies include but are not limited to medical emergencies, natural disasters, fires, mandatory evacuations and crimes in progress.
4. How will the information contained in the registry help a person with special needs during
an emergency?
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The information contained in the registry can help in several different ways. Upon being dispatched to a residence, police dispatchers will be made aware that someone at that location is on the registry. Depending upon the type of call, the dispatcher can better assess the type of response necessary and dispatch manpower and resources accordingly. Also, police officers and/or first responder will be notified that there may be someone at the location with special needs so that they can better gauge their respective responses.
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In the event that a person with special needs is reported missing, first responders will have current photographs and other vital information at their fingertips that will aid in locating the missing person more expeditiously. In an emergency, time is of the essence.
5. What information is required to register someone?
There are two types of information on the registry, mandatory and non-mandatory. Mandatory information includes the registrants name, address, emergency contact information, nature of disability and a current photo. Non-mandatory information includes prescribed medications, doctor information and blood type. It will be up to the registrant as to how much of the non-mandatory information they wish to share.
6. Who is eligible to register?
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The registry is open to any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities due to a physical and/or intellectual disability.
7. Who can register someone?
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A person can register themselves or they can be registered by a caretaker or loved one.
8. How do you register?
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An application for the registry can be filled out and submitted online here on the Register page.
9. Is there a cost involved?
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No, there is no cost at all to register for Atlantic County Special Needs Registry.
10. Where should I place my SNR decal on my car?
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The best place to put your decals are on the rear drivers side areas of the car. Decals are NOT to be placed on the front windshield or on the side windows, which when rolled down will cause the decals to come off.
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11. Where should I place the SNR decals on my residence?
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The decals should be placed on any clearly visible, glass surface at the front entrance of the residence.
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12. Who should I contact if I have a technical problem with the registration process?
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You can go to our Contact Us page and send us a brief message about any problems you may encounter.
13. Who should I contact if I have a question about the Special Needs Registry?
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You can go to our Contact Us page and send us a brief message about any questions you have, or contact your local police department for assistance.
14. What if I change my email address?
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If you change your email address, please go to our Contact Us page and send us a message. Be sure to provide us with your old and new email address so we can update your account and ensure that your existing registrations are connected to your new email address.
If you encounter any issues, please use the contact form on the Contact Us page.
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