Autism Recognition Alert Program
This program creates a database that family members and/or caregivers can register people with autism with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. The information that is provided, stays confidential, and is used to assist officers with the early recognition of a person's disability. The program allows for the safe return home, reunification and overall safety of a loved one.
By registering, officers can then access the information provided in their dispatch system. An officer can search a person through their name or physical description. There is no charge to be enrolled in this program.
In addition to enrollment, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will provide an identification card that people with autism can present during a police encounter. The ID card will identify the individual as a person with autism and include their emergency contact information.
How Does the Autism Recognition Alert Program Work?
The registration form asks for the individual's information, a photo, physical description, emergency contact information, and any information that would assist officers with de-escalation techniques. Officers can access this information in their dispatch system.
In addition, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will provide an identification card that people with autism can present during a police encounter. The ID card will identify the individual as a person with autism and include their emergency contact information.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call (775) 782-9900.
To register for the program, please download and complete the registration application, and email or mail to:
1038 Buckeye Road
Minden, NV. 89423
Program Goals
By taking a proactive approach, our goal is to establish relationships with people on the autism spectrum, their family members, and caregivers. An active partnership will help reduce the anxiety people with autism experience with everyday police encounters and during critical incidents. This program will also help improve police officer awareness and response to people with autism. 