Clay Watch
What is the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Clay Watch, and special needs registry?
The Clay Watch registry empowers family members to supply critical information about their loved ones who may be prone to wandering. This initiative is particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, or any other special needs, physical or mental disabilities. This program will also include our previous Elder Watch initiative, which provided information and support for elderly residents who are homebound.
Participating in Clay Watch is entirely optional. Any information you share will be kept securely at the sheriff’s office and will only be accessed when necessary to find a missing or wandering person. When you register, the sheriff’s office will provide you with a vinyl decal to place on or near your front door. This information is crucial during emergencies, as it enables our deputies to respond swiftly and effectively, ensuring the safety of our community members. It equips deputies with important information about potential challenges faced by individuals, aiding in their identification and reuniting them with their loved ones, especially in critical situations.
Registration Procedures
To register applicants, their parents or guardians complete the registration form or the web based application. If the paper form is used, please return to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Forms can be dropped off at the department, picked up by a deputy, or emailed to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at communityaffairs@claysheriff.com. Parents and caregivers may enroll any person of any age with any type of medical condition or disability, including but not limited to: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alzheimer’s or Dementia, Bipolar Disorder, and Down syndrome. Adults with other special needs may also enroll themselves. All registration information will be confirmed in person by the Community Affairs Unit prior to inclusion in the database.
- Online Registration
- Paper Registration – can be dropped off at the department, picked up by a deputy, or emailed to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at communityaffairs@claysheriff.com
What happens once the person is registered?
Participants will receive a Clay County Sheriff’s Office vinyl decal to display on or near the front door of their home. Additional decals can be obtained and placed on a vehicle if you wish. A premise note will be added to the home address so that responding deputies will have knowledge of the special needs individual prior to their arrival. When a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy has contact with a person listed on the registry, our communications center can provide useful information to help the officer successfully interact and communicate with your loved one. The registry can also provide the parent or caregiver’s emergency contact information. Access to this information during an emergency can save valuable time.
More information is available on our Clay Watch Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
