New West Grey Police Registry to Help Protect Vulnerable People During Emergency Interactions
West Grey Police have launched a Vulnerable Person Registry to help officers respond more safely during emergencies. Here’s who can register, what information is required, and how to sign up.
A new tool designed to help police respond more safely and effectively during emergencies is now available in West Grey.
On January 5, the West Grey Police Service (WGPS) announced on social media the launch of its Vulnerable Person Registry — a voluntary, confidential database that allows caregivers to provide first responders with critical information about individuals who may require specialized support during a crisis.
The initiative is aimed at improving outcomes when police are called to assist people who may be unable to communicate effectively, may be prone to wandering, or may respond unpredictably to high-stress situations.
According to a WGPS spokesperson, this may include individuals living with autism, dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other neurocognitive or developmental conditions.
Following the announcement, Owen Sound Current reached out to West Grey Police for more details about how the program works, who qualifies, and how families can register.
The service confirmed the registry is now live and shared additional information about eligibility, data use, and how it fits into their broader public safety efforts.
How It Works
The registry allows parents, guardians, or caregivers to submit key personal details in advance, including communication needs, behavioural triggers, health concerns, emergency contacts, and strategies that may help officers de-escalate a situation or locate a missing person more quickly.
Once registered, this information is made accessible to dispatchers and frontline responders, helping them tailor their approach with compassion, understanding, and efficiency in time-sensitive situations.
“Responses are more informed, interactions more compassionate, and situations can be resolved more safely,” the service said in its January 5 announcement.
Who Can Register
The program is open to individuals who live in, attend school or work in, or frequently visit the Municipality of West Grey. Caregivers must have legal authority to register someone, such as a parent, guardian, or power of attorney.
Those eligible for the registry may include people who:
Are on the autism spectrum
Live with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or similar conditions
Have a history of wandering or are at risk of going missing
Cannot safely return home without help
A verification process follows each submission to ensure the information is being provided by an authorized caregiver.
What Information Is Required
To register, caregivers must provide a range of details about the vulnerable person, including:
Name, date of birth, physical description (including identifying marks or assistive devices)
Languages spoken or communication methods used
Diagnosis and medications
Known interests, routines, and favourite places
Behavioural triggers, redirection strategies, and communication techniques
Emergency contacts
Two recent photographs (headshot and full body)
Caregiver contact information is also required. The information is stored securely and used only by emergency services to assist in situations involving the registered person.
Keeping Information Up to Date
To ensure accuracy, the registry must be renewed regularly:
Annually for those aged 17 and under
Every two years for adults aged 18 and over
West Grey Police will send a reminder email two months before the renewal is due, based on the person’s date of birth.
However, it’s the caregiver’s responsibility to ensure the information remains up to date. Significant changes — such as an address change, emergency contact, or physical characteristics — should be reported right away.
Minor changes, such as haircuts or hair colour, do not need to be reported.
How to Register
Interested caregivers can begin the registration process by contacting West Grey Police Service via:
Direct message on social media
Commenting on the registry announcement post
Calling the non-emergency line at 519-369-3046
Emailing nmacmillan@westgreyps.ca
Online registration is available, and West Grey Police will provide further instructions upon request.
Elsewhere in Grey-Bruce & Owen Sound
Following the launch of West Grey’s new registry, The Owen Sound Current reached out to the Grey Bruce OPP to ask whether a similar program is in place in other parts of the region.
In response, Constable Kody Lyons confirmed that while the OPP does not operate its own registry, it partners with MedicAlert Foundation Canada through the MedicAlert Connect Protect program.
This voluntary service allows individuals or caregivers to submit vital information — including medical needs, emergency contacts, and behavioural considerations — to a secure database accessible by OPP officers during emergencies.
The program is also intended to help officers respond more effectively when assisting vulnerable individuals in crisis. More information is available on the MedicAlert page of the OPP website.
Owen Sound Police Service also encourages family members and caregivers to register individuals with the MedicAlert system.
Police Chief Craig Ambrose said they have a partnership with Victim Services Grey Bruce , as well. Project Lifesaver fits individuals who are apt to wander with a RF transmitter police can use to locate the individual.
“The system uses older technology but is very effective,” Ambrose said, noting that the system is still in operation but very few are currently registered. Contact the OSPS to learn more about that program.
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