Learn the Process and FAQ

Easy to Follow Process

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the “New Jersey Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities” (AID Program)?

The “New Jersey Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities” is a voluntary service open to all citizens who are affected in some way by a disability or special need.

More specifically, the “New Jersey Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities” is a protected system that contains profiles of persons with disabilities and/or special needs. The information provides law enforcement and other first responders with vital information about each participants needs in the event of an emergency or interaction with law enforcement.

2. Who has access to the person’s profile?
Information provided to the “New Jersey Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities” will only be shared with first responders during a law enforcement interaction, emergency or for the purpose of planning an emergency response.

3. What is considered an emergency or “interaction”?
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. An “interaction” can be defined as any contact with law enforcement or first responders in an official capacity.

4. How will the information contained in the NJPS-AID help a person with as disability during an emergency?
The information contained in the “New Jersey Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities” can help in several different ways.  Upon being dispatched to a residence, police dispatchers can be made aware that someone at that location has a disability.  Depending upon the type of call, the dispatcher can better assess the type of response necessary and dispatch resources accordingly.  Also, police officers and/or first responders may be notified that there may be someone at the location with a disability, so that they can better gauge their respective responses.

In the event that a person with disability or special need is reported missing, first responders will have access to current photographs and other vital information that can aid in locating the missing person more expeditiously.  As we all know, in an emergency –  time is of the essence.

5. What information is required?
There are two types of information in the NJPS-AID –  mandatory and non-mandatory.

Mandatory information includes the person’s 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 person as to how much of the non-mandatory information they wish to share.

6. Who is eligible to participate?
The “New Jersey Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities” 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 provide information?
A person can submit information themselves or a caretaker or loved one can submit information on thier behalf if authorized.

8. How do you submit information?
Simply follow the steps listed above on this page or start here.

9. Is there a cost involved?
No, there is no cost at all to participate in the “National Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities”.

10. Who should I contact if I have a technical problem with the process?
If you are experiencing a technical issue, you can contact your local police department you are partnering with or submit a message to support@opspolice.com.

11. What if I need to make a change?
No account creation is needed when participating in the “New Jersey Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities”. When you complete the membership process, you will be provided with details on how you can update your information as needed.

ACCOUNT RELATED QUESTIONS

1. Do I need to create an account?

No. When you provide your information, or the information of a family member or loved one, you will be provided with instructions on how to make needed changes/updates.

2. Are their annual requirements?

No. With that, you will receive an annual email requesting you review your information and make any needed adjustments. It is not required.

3. Can I delete my account?

Yes. You can remove your account or the account of a loved one at any time.

4. How will a participant advise first responders or law enforcement their information is in the NJPS-AID?

When a participant completes their NJPS-AID submission, they will be provided with downloadable credentials they can keep on them to provide to law enforcement or first responders in those cases where the officials are not aware of the participants disability or participation in NJPS-AID.

6. Is there any cost to participate?

No. Partnering with the “New Jersey Public Safety Alliance for Individuals with Disabilities” is 100% free.

Not ready to participate? Click here to exit and return to the NJPS-AID homepage.