Project Guardian

Does someone in your home have special needs? The Pasco Police's Project Guardian is a program developed to help keep your loved one with special needs, including autism, safe. The program is based on the Newport News, VA Police Department's Project Guardian. The program is a free, voluntary, and confidential database offered, managed, and maintained by Pasco Police for persons living within Pasco.

Police often don’t know whether or not individuals they encounter have special needs because there aren’t any telltale physical signs. Flashing lights on an emergency vehicle, for example, might cause a person with special needs to become frightened and act out. Officers may not understand why some individuals with special needs will not make eye contact with them, keep their fists clenched, or flap their hands. What may seem like a simple interaction with police could be a very traumatic situation for a person with special needs and confusing to officers. 

How It Works

When someone enrolls in the program, officers obtain their basic information, a current digital photograph, family emergency contact information, and other information that might help officers when encountering the individual. Once registered, you will be mailed a sticker and static cling to display in your home and vehicle window to alert officers of a potential person with special needs. Enroll Now Enrollment is easy. Caregivers can register family members with special needs by completing this online application. Please contact the Pasco Police for more information.

Project Guardian Online Application