Athens, OH – The Athens County Sheriff’s Office has announced the launch of a new initiative designed to improve interactions between deputies and individuals living with mental or behavioral health conditions.
According to the sheriff’s office, the Peaceful Encounter Program (PEP) is a free, voluntary and confidential registry that allows residents or their caregivers to share important information with law enforcement in advance. The information may include communication needs, known triggers, calming techniques or other notes that could help deputies respond more effectively and compassionately during a crisis.
The program is open to Athens County residents living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or any other condition where prior knowledge could improve emergency response. Officials said the information is kept private and is only accessed by deputies when responding to a call involving the registered individual.
Sheriff Rodney Smith said the program is intended to reduce misunderstandings during encounters and ensure deputies are better prepared to promote safety and positive outcomes. “This initiative allows us to understand the needs of individuals before we arrive on scene, which can make a critical difference,” Smith said in a statement.
Residents can sign up by visiting www.athenssheriff.com/pep and completing an online questionnaire. For questions, the sheriff’s office encourages residents to contact Deputy Zayne Preston at 740-566-4356 or via email at zpreston@athenssheriff.com.
The Athens County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that community participation is voluntary but encouraged, noting the program is part of a broader effort to build trust and foster understanding between law enforcement and the public.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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