The Scott County Sheriff’s Office just recently implemented the Vitals™ App, a phone application that provides deputies with helpful information about vulnerable individuals they may encounter to create safer, more informed interactions.
Individuals living with invisible and/or visible conditions, such as varying developmental, physical, behavioral and intellectual abilities or mental health issues, who may not be able to readily communicate their needs to others, can voluntarily use this free app to create a personalized profile that can be shared with law enforcement and other first responders.
Vitals™ App users carry a beacon embedded on a wallet-sized card or button/fob. When the beacon is within 80 feet of a deputy with the App, the deputy will get an alert. This allows the deputy temporary access to critical information the user or caregiver has uploaded to their profile — information the deputy otherwise wouldn’t necessarily know — providing an opportunity to customize their response to the situation at hand.
“Conditions such as mental illness, intellectual disabilities or an autism spectrum disorder are often invisible, giving no clues to a responding deputy that the situation may need to be handled in a different way,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen. “The Vitals App will help bridge this communication gap, providing a safer experience for all involved.”
A community informational meeting has been scheduled wherein a representative from Vitals™ Aware Services will be giving a presentation about the Vitals™ App and will be available to answer questions.
Social workers, other first responders/law enforcement personnel, mental health advocates, health care providers, caregivers, parents, and guardians of vulnerable individuals are strongly encouraged to attend.
Date/time: Tuesday, August 27th at 1:00 pm
Location: Scott County Board Room, Government Center, 200 Fourth Avenue West, Shakopee
For more information about the Vitals™ App, please visit their website at https://thevitalsapp.com/. A recent Scott County Scene article also discussed the new app: https://www.scottcountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12445/2019-June-July-Scene?bidId.
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