Oneida County launches voluntary database on residents to help with police calls

A database launched by Oneida County hopes to document residents with preexisting mental health concerns, developmental disabilities, health conditions and or religious or cultural considerations to assist police and other first responders during interactions.

The ASCEND — or Assistance for Special, Cognitive, Emotional Needs and Disabilities — was announced this week by Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. and Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.

The announcement follows the launch of other programs looking to tackle the intersection of law enforcement, mental health and neurodiversity, including a coordinated approach by a Utica police officer and social worker to respond to mental health crises in Utica this spring, and a pilot partnership between Rome police and the Kelberman Center last month.

Rome's Kelberman Center Community Inclusion Partnership, or CIP, provided autism awareness training to 59 police officers and donated 20 "autism kits" for Rome police cars, with sensory items such as fidget spinners included, officials announced in November.

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In the ASCEND program, Oneida County residents can voluntarily submit their information via a form found on either the county website or sheriff's website. Paper applications are also available at the sheriff's office at 6065 Judd Rd. in Oriskany.

The form is then emailed with a photo to ascend@oneidacountysheriff.us. Officials said it will assist first responders in identifying individuals with special needs during interactions and in emergency situations.

The application includes options for residents to list any life-threatening medical conditions, medications used, triggers and primary method of communication (such as use of sign language or a speech device).

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Applicants can check off one or more of the following conditions:

Applicants can also fill out a special need not listed, any service animals used or any religious or cultural considerations.

Participants will also receive window decals that can be placed in vehicles or homes to identify them as a program member.

The information is confidential and only shared by the county with first responders during an emergency or for planning an emergency response, officials said.

Applicants can field questions to the Oneida County Planning Department by calling 315-798-5710 or emailing planning@ocgov.net with "ASCEND Program" in the subject line.

H. Rose Schneider is the public safety reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Rose at hschneider@gannett.com.

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