Vitals™ platform personalizes community policing mission as Officers “arm” themselves with information, ensuring police serve vulnerable populations with compassion
January 9, 2019 – A few years ago, the Folsom (CA) Police Department created HELP files, realizing information gathered about residents with cognitive disabilities will be helpful in future police interactions. When the lead dispatcher learned officers could have helpful and crucial data on their phones immediately, she introduced the Vitals™ platform to the Chief of Police, who signed on without hesitation.
“We pride ourselves on our reputation as proactive problem solvers. Our community members know we’re on the cutting-edge of technology and that we’re always looking out for them. That’s why we’re so proud to create a Vitals™ network here in Folsom; this technology will be there for our families and our officers when we need it most,” Folsom Police Chief Rick Hillman explained.
Vitals™ enrollees, or their family members, voluntarily provide the individualized information in this cutting-edge program revolving around technological innovation. When emergency service workers respond to calls regarding Vitals enrollees, they immediately receive important information on their smart phones that will help them de-escalate or resolve a situation by providing a response catered to a person’s specific needs and vulnerabilities.
“We strongly believe this is the beginning of something big for the State of California. Folsom has long been recognized as a leader in progressive, community policing. The advantages of Vitals™ technology, for both police and the communities they serve, will spread quickly in a region that’s less than an hour-and-a-half from Silicon Valley. The power of information, delivered in real-time to first responders’ smart phones, creates a program that benefits a community’s most vulnerable residents and their families,” Vitals President/CEO Janeé Harteau remarked.
The 70-plus officers of the Folsom Police Department have access to Vitals™ profiles and dispatchers are eager to sign up as many residents as possible. The entire staff is on board, ready and willing to respond to a diverse City of 75,000, which is seeing an increase in its senior population and serves a significant number of families with children. Vitals™ will also be a great asset as police continue to protect and serve several retirement communities, assisted living and memory care centers, and the Empire Ranch Alzheimer’s & Special Care Center.
“Our Police Department also has very special relationships with Folsom’s CARD (Center for Autism & Related Disabilities) and Project Lifesaver. We have always been very dedicated and focused on helping vulnerable residents and their families, whether in emergency situations or just in everyday life. In fact, our entire City comes together to support these communities and we know they’ll get behind Vitals™,” said Elva Valasek, the longtime dispatcher who brought Vitals™ to Chief Hillman, and who serves as a Project Lifesaver leader in the greater Sacramento area.
Vitals™ Aware Services was launched in August of 2017. Approximately 70 first responding agencies and a handful of school districts are currently using the community-based service.
About Vitals™ Aware Services
Vitals™ works by equipping first responders with information voluntarily provided by Vitals™ enrollees. Law enforcement and other first responders download the Vitals™ First Responder app on their cellphones. The service allows a vulnerable person to register online, then wear a beacon that takes the form of a keychain, necklace, debit card or bracelet. An Android phone can also serve as the beacon. When a Vitals™ user comes within 80 feet of an officer or first responder equipped with the service, the officer will get a notification about the person’s diagnosis and how they may best interact with them.
To learn more about Vitals™, go to www.thevitalsapp.com.
