The Guardian Program

The Guardian Program was implemented by the Glenn Heights Police Department to assist officers during encounters with members of the community having special needs including persons who are non-verbal or are affected by Autism, Alzheimer's, Dementia, or some other form of mental/intellectual disability. 

When seconds count in an emergency, the Guardian Program registry allows first responders to have access to critical information designed to help safely reunite families of registered participants.

Participation in the Guardian Program is completely voluntary and free. A Guardian application must be submitted to the Glenn Heights Police Department annually.

Complete the Application here

• The participant or guardian is a resident of Glenn Heights
• The participant attends school within Glenn Heights Police Department’s jurisdiction
• The participant may be unable to communicate basic personal information due to a diagnosed medical disorder
• The participant is prone to wander away or runaway from guardians, residence, or school due to diagnosed medical disorder
• Guardians voluntarily submit a completed application and photo with all required medical information

Q: What will happen with my information?

A: Juvenile and health information will not be released to the public and is utilized solely to provide better service for the registrant and the families involved during times of crisis.

Q: Do I need to update the registration?

A: Yes, each year you will be required to update your registration. A recent photo should be provided annually to help identify your child or dependent adult. In addition, the registry should be updated due to a change in address, phone number, emergency contact, or the purchase of a new vehicle, to name a few.

Q: How will this registry help if my child/dependent adult goes missing?

A: If the individual goes missing and is reported by the parent or guardian, information about physical appearance, the most likely places where he or she would go to, as well as triggers, stimulants, and de-escalation techniques will be available to every police officer in the area who is looking for the missing person. Suppose the individual has not been reported and is incapable of effectively communicating his/her name to an officer. In that case, officers may use the individual's physical descriptors to search applicable registry photos, allowing officers to make a more timely identification.

Q: Will I be notified about annual renewals?

A: Although our agency will promote this program throughout the year, the renewals are the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian. It is recommended that you renew the registration during the month of the registrant’s birthday.

Q: What guarantees do we have that the interaction between our child/dependent adult and the police will be positive once he/she is registered?

A: There are no guarantees with this registry. What the registry allows is the ability for patrol officers to access necessary information faster to begin searching. Also, if an officer comes across a "wandering" child or adult who is unable to communicate, the officer can have the database queried for persons on the registry living in the area. What is important to stress is that simply having a person registered with the registry is not going to change police responses in every instance involving an individual with a mental or intellectual disability. Police will act according to procedure and depending on circumstances.

For more information, contact Deputy Chief of Police Nick Bristow at (972) 223-1690, ext. 271, or nick.bristow@glennheightstx.gov.

You will be required to update the Guardian Program registration information and pictures annually. 

If there are changes to your contact information, address, or vehicle during that year, please make those changes immediately.