The Temple Police Department is now offering free Special Needs stickers to all Temple residents to assist first responders in their interactions with community members living with special needs. The stickers display the text, “A person with special needs lives here; be aware that simple instructions may not be understood.” Residents who receive the stickers are instructed to display them prominently on or near the front door of their residence.
Chief Shawn Reynolds of the Temple Police Department hopes that the stickers will serve as a new tool to assist first responders in their daily interactions with community members. He said, “As police officers, when we go to a scene, we don’t know what we are walking into. But seeing one of these stickers can give us a better idea of who lives inside a home. Having that knowledge will indicate if we need to change our approach.”
For people living with special needs, interactions with police officers can be especially stressful. The Temple Police Department hopes that these stickers will alleviate some of that stress by providing first responders with important information about the individuals they are interacting with.
Residents of Temple can pick up the free Special Needs stickers at the Temple Police Department lobby located at 209 E. Ave. A. The department encourages residents to take advantage of this free resource to improve their safety and that of their loved ones.
Central Texas Reporter 