Athens police to launch vulnerable person registry

Released by ACCPD

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department will announce the launch of a new Vulnerable

Persons Registry (VPR) on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM at ACCPD Headquarters

on Lexington Road.

The VPR is a free, voluntary program designed to help first responders better assist individuals

living in Athens-Clarke County who may have physical, cognitive, neurological, or mental health

conditions that affect their ability to communicate or respond during an emergency.

By registering their loved ones, families and caregivers can provide critical information to help

our officers respond with greater awareness, understanding, and compassion.

Through online registration, caregivers can provide basic identifying information, such as name,

photo, and a physical description, as well as emergency contacts. Caregivers can also share

communication preferences, support needs, and helpful strategies for calming a vulnerable

person. The registry will securely store this vital information and share it with first responders

only in an emergency.

“We believe that informed first responders will help build safer communities,” says Master

Police Officer Courtney Gale, one of the organizers of the VPR. “This program is another step

toward protecting and supporting our most vulnerable neighbors.” Neighborhood Service

Officers Lesley Moore and Keith Sims round out the VPR team.

For additional information about the VPR, or if you are planning to attend the launch event,

please contact Neighborhood Service Officer Keith Sims at Keith.Sims@accgov.com

or 762-400-7309.

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Geof Gilland