The Tiverton Police Department is launching a local registry to alert first responders about residents with disabilities when responding to emergencies.
Police say as an example, someone on the autistic spectrum may have an aversion to sirens and with the registry, officers would know to turn off the sirens when arriving at a scene.
In addition, the registry would alert police to behaviors or reactions that could otherwise be misunderstood and help them to identify triggers and use calming techniques.
There is a similar registry on a state level, but police believe the localized registry could help the department communicate more efficiently.
(Photo: John Baibak, Newsradio RI)