Special Needs Registry

The Gloucester County Special Needs Registry is a joint collaboration between the Gloucester County Chiefs Association and the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office to give police quick access to critical information about a person with special needs in an emergency.

The registry can provide police with emergency contact information, detailed physical descriptions, known routines, favorite attractions, or the needs of an individual with special needs and other disabilities such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Down syndrome, or any other endangered individuals.

The link to register and information on the countywide special needs registry is included in the Special Needs Blue Envelope Pamphlet, located under “Quick Links.” However, if an individual is unable to complete it themselves, please print out a copy using the link and help them to fill it out. In addition, if an individual is unable to submit the form themselves, the form can be returned to our Special Needs Liaison, Sgt. Mroz.

For complete information regarding the Special Needs Registry, please visit the Mantua Township Police Department’s Citizen Services Program Website: https://mantua.prophoenix.com/#/home.

Additionally, take note of the “Blue Envelope program.” This program provides special needs registrants with a blue envelope to hold all their important paperwork. The envelope indicates whether an individual is verbal or non-verbal and includes a vehicle sticker.

1. What is the Special Needs Registry?

The Mantua Township Special Need Registry is a voluntary service open to all citizens who reside, attend a school, or are employed in Mantua Township and are affected in some way by a disability.

More specifically, the Mantua Township Special Needs Registry is a database maintained by the Mantua Township Police Department that contains profiles of registrants with disabilities. The information provided to the registry provides law enforcement and other first responders with vital information about a registrant’s special needs in the event of an emergency.

2. Who has access to the registrant’s profile?

Information provided to the registry will only be shared with first responders during an emergency or for the purpose of planning an emergency response.

3. What is considered an emergency?

An emergency can best be defined as any event that may require a response, immediate or otherwise, by law enforcement or other first responders. Examples of emergencies include but are not limited to medical emergencies, natural disasters, fires, mandatory evacuations, and crimes in progress.

4. How will the information contained in the registry help a person with special needs during an emergency?

The information contained in the registry can help in several different ways. Upon being dispatched to a residence, police dispatchers will be made aware that someone at that location is on the registry. Depending upon the type of call, the dispatcher can better assess the type of response necessary and dispatch manpower and resources accordingly. Also, police officers and/or first responders will be notified that there may be someone at the location with special needs so that they can better gauge their respective responses.

In the event that a person with special needs is reported missing, first responders will have current photographs and other vital information at their fingertips that will aid in locating the missing person more expeditiously. In an emergency, time is of the essence.

5. What information is required to register someone?

There are two types of information on the registry, mandatory and non-mandatory. Mandatory information includes the registrant’s name, address, emergency contact information, the nature of the disability, and a current photo. Non-mandatory information includes prescribed medications, doctor information, and blood type. It will be up to the registrant as to how much of the non-mandatory information they wish to share.

6. Who is eligible to register?

The registry is open to any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities due to a physical and/or intellectual disability.

7. Who can register someone?

A person can register themselves or they can be registered by a caretaker or loved one.

8. How do you register?

You simply need to click on the link below and fill out the attached form. Email the completed form to Sgt. Cody Mroz at csmroz@mantuatownship.com or drop it off in person at Mantua Police Headquarters located at 405 Main Street Mantua, NJ 08051.

9. Is there a cost involved?

No, there is no cost at all to register.

10. Who should I contact if I have a technical problem with the registration process?

You can contact the Mantua Township Police Department or the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office you are experiencing any technical issues.

11. Who should I contact if I have a question about the Special Needs Registry?

You can contact the Mantua Township Police Department or the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.

12. What if I need to make a change?

If you need to update a submitted registration, you simply complete a new form and advise that you are updating a previously submitted registration in the additional information field.