Special Needs and Awareness Police Program (S.N.A.P.P.)
Griffith Police Department is pleased to announce the launch of the Special Needs and Awareness Police Program (S.N.A.P.P.), a program which focuses on improving quality of life and raising awareness by identifying special needs and increasing access to basic assistance. To facilitate the program we have created a Special Needs and Disability Notification form specifically for our residents. The information is voluntarily provided by Griffith residents for themselves, their children, or other family members (with documentation of court-ordered guardianship or power of attorney), and is meant to assist emergency personnel in instances where a person may not be physically or mentally capable of letting someone know they are in need of help. Some examples of needs to be considered may include, but are not limited to, medical conditions, physical limitations, mental health diagnoses, current medications, or any special considerations to be taken during interaction with emergency personnel. **Please note, this form is not meant to replace the Smart911 service in place through Lake County Dispatch, but is intended to assist Griffith residents in need. The form is available for download at the bottom of this page or pick up at the Griffith Police Department records division Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
In addition to S.N.A.P.P., the Town of Griffith has partnered with Lake Area United Way (LAUW) to help its residents in need of assistance get connected to more than 100 service providers through LAUW’s United for Families Network. Residents will be able to dial 2-1-1 for free, confidential telephone assistance provided by trained call specialists who can assess residents needs and potentially connect them with emergency services such as food, utility, shelter and housing assistance. The call center is a service provided by Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation (NWICA), funded in part by LAUW. Additionally, Griffith Police Department and The Town of Griffith has built a list of local resources available to its residents. We invite any local business or agency interested in being added to the Town site as a resource list to contact us. For a current list of local resources please click here.
Smart 911 is a service provided by Lake County Dispatch. With Smart911, you can provide 9-1-1 call takers and first responders critical information you want them to know in any kind of emergency.
When you call 9-1-1, your Smart911 Safety Profile displays on the 9-1-1 screen and the 9-1-1 call takers can view your addresses, associated phone numbers, medical conditions/information, home information, household members, property layout, utility information, description of pets and vehicles, medications and medical equipment, and emergency contacts. You can provide as much or as little information as you would like. Smart911 is a national service meaning your Smart911 Safety Profile travels with you and is visible to any participating 9-1-1 center nationwide. www.smart911.com
You may direct questions or comments to Michelle Velez, Assistant to the Town Council, at (219) 924-3073 or Erica Rios, Griffith Police Department Social Worker at (219) 924-7503 Ext. 300.
