A NEW REGISTRY launched last week by the Stockton Police Department will allow residents to notify police about anyone in their household who has mental or neurological disabilities in case of a police visit to the residence.
The “Your Way Registry” has an application in English and Spanish that gives users the opportunity to tell police details such as a description of the registered person, residence information, a disability rundown and vital information that could help first responders in the event of an emergency. A photo of the person can also be added to the form.
In California there have been instances where people suffering from a mental illness have been killed by police during an interaction.
Laudemer Arboleda, 33, was shot repeatedly by Danville Police Officer Andrew Hall in 2018 after leading officers on a slow chase. However, family members of Arboleda said their loved one had been hospitalized for his mental illness that year.
Rico Ruiz-Altamirano, 33, was also fatally shot by Stockton officers earlier this year during a crisis negotiation. Allegedly, when crisis negotiators began talking with Ruiz-Altamirano about putting the gun down, he took off his body armor and told officers to take his life while still holding the gun.
Five police officers fired their weapons and struck him after he allegedly walked toward an uninvolved motorist who drove into the parking lot. Police said he pointed the handgun at the driver.
Now, the department said their registry will help compile and maintain records of people who may require unique assistance during interactions with officers.
“With that information, officers will be aware of key factors that can help them communicate more effectively with the community member involved to achieve the best possible outcome,” said Stockton Police Department spokesperson Omer Edhah.
The application can be found here.
