Saugeen Shores, Ontario Canada
For EMERGENCIES call 9-1-1   Police Station: 519-832-2500

Vulnerable Persons Registry

The Vulnerable Person Registry (VPR) is a service in Saugeen Shores that allows caregivers of vulnerable persons to submit vital information to a database that will be used by police and other emergency services during a crisis situation.

A Vulnerable Person is defined as a person who due to a medical, mental health or physical condition may exhibit patterns of behaviour that may pose a danger to that person.
This could include:

  • A tendency to wander
  • The inability to communicate
  • Fascinations or attractions (water, construction sites etc.)
  • Social responses (fear of strangers, aggression)

Examples of Vulnerable Persons may include Persons with:

  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Acquired Brain Injury
  • A condition that causes a person to exhibit the behaviors which place them at risk

Registration

Parents or caregivers of a vulnerable person living, working or frequent visitor (summer resident) in Saugeen Shores can submit this information.

View/download form

During the registration, you will be asked to provide information such as:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Physical descriptors (Include marks, scars and/or tattoos)
  • Contact information
  • Special needs
  • Methods of approach
  • Objects of attraction
  • A photo of the persons face. Please note that the photo must be in JPEG (.jpg) format.

Application

In the event of an emergency responding officers and other responding emergency service workers will have immediate access to this registry. This can help provide vital information in a timely manner and reduces the likelihood that critical information is not overlooked.

 

Common Questions

  • If I don't live in Saugeen Shores, can I still use the registry?
    • To use the registry the vulnerable person must live, work or frequently visit (summer resident) Saugeen Shores If they do not live within Saugeen Shores, check with policing agency responsible for your area to see if they have a similar registry.



  • How soon will the information be available to police?
    • The registration form will be entered into a policing record management system in order to capture all relevant information. It is intended that this process will be quick but it may take up to 1 business day to be fully processed.



  • Will I need to quote the Report Number if I call the police?
    • No, during high stress situations, there is no expectation that you remember the report number. However, you should indicate that the individual is listed on the vulnerable person registry. Saugeen Shores Police Service will be able to verify the report number using the vulnerable person's name or address.



  • Who has access to the Information?
    • Saugeen Shores Service personnel who require this information in the performance of their duties will have access to the information. There are strict regulations with respect to accessing and disseminating information. There is a Police Information Portal (P.I.P.) that is shared by all police agencies. The consent of the individual involved, or their parent/guardian, is required before any information is shared among police agencies. During an emergency situation, police may be required to share this information with other emergency services such as fire or ambulance. The Chief of Police may authorize the release of the name of the Vulnerable Person as well as images and any other identifying information to the public through media, social media and radio station as deemed necessary.



  • Can profile(s) be updated more than every year if there are changes? How do I do that?
    • Yes, however, only information that has a significant impact on policing response will be necessary. Examples include a change in address, school, or emergency contact. You do not need to report a change in hair cut or colour, for example, as the police are familiar with the changes that can be made and are more likely to notice height, weight and eye colour.


      Significant changes or updates can be completed by speaking with the Saugeen Shores Police Service



  • Will I be notified when the annual renewal is required?
    • The renewals are the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian. It is recommended that you renew the registration during the month of the registrant's birthday. An updated photo of the registrant is encouraged.



  • After my child/dependent adult is registered, and if there is an incident, do I need to do something to notify the police?
    • It is preferable that you let the police know that the individual is already registered. In doing so, the information will be immediately disseminated to the police officers without having to ask the parents during a high stress situation.



  • How will this registry help if my child/dependent adult goes missing?
    • If the individual goes missing and is reported by the parent/guardian, information about his/her physical appearance, the most likely places where he/she would go to, as well as triggers, stimulants, and de-escalation techniques will be provided to every police officer in the area to look for the missing person.