Premise Alert, History and Future

Since the Premise Alert System was rolled out in Pennsylvania, it has been replicated and made into law in Illinois and Wisconsin.Families and police departments around the nation have used the Premise Alert System to support individuals who have disabilities and special needs in their home community. The Premise Alert has been recognized as an effective program that incorporates the cornerstones of Community
Policing ideals. It is inexpensive to implement, builds positive relationships between police and the public, and creates new networks of natural supports for individuals with disabilities and their families. The Premise Alert System is the only model in the nation that connects people who have disabilities directly to their community police officers. Every other model currently in place overlooks local police departments, require Internet access, and/or connect only to the 911 system or a privately paid service. Connecting to the local police department is an important element that should not be overlooked. Many community incidents are never directed through the 911 system and by providing local departments with key information they can deescalate situations before it hits a crisis level.
The Premise Alert System helps people with disabilities and special needs be safer in their own communities by educating first responders
about various disabilities. It works on paper or through computer-aided dispatch so can be used regardless of the level of technology
available in any given community. The system can work either through the 911 system or the police can use the system to identify someone
who has been found even when a call to 911 has not been made.

The Premise Alert can be used for people of any age, regardless of their special need, disability, or medical condition. It has been used
by families who have a loved one who needs oxygen; people who have diabetes and may look and act as if they are impaired from drugs or
alcohol; stroke and Alzheimer’s patients; people who need assistance getting out of bed; and individuals with developmental disabilities or
mental health challenges. Families can let first responders know that they have Plexiglas windows in specific rooms or that certain areas have indoor locks that may impede rescue. They can let responders know that an individual may not respond to spoken language for any number of reasons and allow them to be prepared to use whatever means they need to rescue the individual.

The Premise Alert System provides necessary information to first responders and emergency planners so they can meet the needs of their specific community. It also allows for better communication and increased good will between the community and police officers. It is
a function of community policing that is truly effective and promotes good public relations with little cost.

The Chief and I gifted this model to Pennsylvania in 2008 because we believe in it and know that it is a solid model that helps people.
We have provided permission for its use, the form and all of the support needed to implement it in other states and communities free
of charge. We know that communication is the key to safer community living and that this is the only program that supports Law Enforcement and the disability community equally.

Assisting police officers and individuals with disabilities is our goal. We know that people’s lives are better and safer when this program
is used. Our hope is to gift this system to the nation as a model program help other communities and states protect our most vulnerable residents.