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Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator announced a new program to assist parish residents with special needs during their encounters with law enforcement.

The “Friends of Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office” program provides a unique decal to alert deputies and other first responders that a person with special needs could be inside a vehicle or residence. “Friends of Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office” and “Approach with Care" appear on the decal and should be displayed in a prominent location on each vehicle and residence where a citizen with special needs is enrolled in the program. Special needs could include someone with autism, deafness, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, dementia, or any physical or mental disability.

Sheriff Prator said he hopes the decal will help limit misunderstandings and break down communication barriers by providing first responders with vital information before approaching a situation. "We want a positive and safe interaction for everyone involved," Prator said. "It's a small decal but provides a huge service."

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office established the “Friends of the Sheriff’s Office” program in January 2023. Since then, various law enforcement agencies across the state have also implemented their versions of the program.

To enroll in the program. visit www.caddosheriff.org or any of the Sheriff's Office substations to complete an application. Decals may be picked up between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the CPSO Patrol Administrative Office at 4910 North Market Street.