Vulnerable Person Registry

The VPR provides critical information to the LPS that may be used during situations requiring police interactions.

If a registered Vulnerable Person is reported missing, information about their physical appearance, the most likely places they would go, as well as triggers, stimulants and de-escalation techniques can be utilized by police looking for the missing person.

If a registered Vulnerable Person is incapable of effectively communicating their name, the information on the VPR may allow the individual to be identified more quickly and help police connect with their emergency contact.

A Vulnerable Person is someone who, due to a medical, mental health or physical condition, may exhibit patterns of behaviour that pose a potential danger to themselves or others.

This could include an inclination to wander, the inability to communicate, fascinations or attractions (water, construction sites, etc.) and social responses (fear of strangers, aggression, etc.).

Examples of Vulnerable Persons may include persons with Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, an acquired brain injury, or a mental health condition that causes a person to exhibit the above behaviours.

The Vulnerable Person Registry is intended for individuals who live, work and/or attend school in the City of Lethbridge.  

If you do not live, work and/or attend school in Lethbridge, there is no benefit to registering. Other police jurisdictions will not have access to the LPS Vulnerable Person Registry. Please contact your local police agency to learn their procedures.

Individuals in the following circumstances have the legal authority to submit a Vulnerable Person to the VPR:

• A Vulnerable Person who is over the age of 16 and is able to speak on their own behalf
• The parent/guardian of a Vulnerable Person who is either (1) under the age of 16, or (2) over the age of 16, but unable to provide consent on their own behalf
• An individual who is legally authorized to advocate/make decisions for a Vulnerable Person, as they are unable to provide consent on their own behalf

No. The VPR is a voluntary service that is provided free of charge. 

To function effectively, the VPR requires the collection of information that can identify the Vulnerable Person being registered, as well as any individual acting legally on their behalf submitting the form. This information includes, but is not limited to: 

• Names
• Addresses
• Contact information
• Physical descriptors
• Medical conditions
• Methods of communication
• Identification worn
• Where most likely to wander
• Favorite attractions/locations
• Best methods of approach/de-escalation techniques
• Explanations of what not to do/triggers
• Recent photographs of the individual

Speaking with police officers in uniform can be a challenging, stressful experience. But often, when our officers encounter a vulnerable person, there are important things they need to know in order to ensure everyone's safety. 

The Lethbridge Police Service provides an identity card and decal to both help identify a vulnerable person on the registry and alleviate communication challenges. 

To access the identity card and decal, bring your email confirmation and Police File Number to the front desk of the Lethbridge Police Service (135 1 Avenue South) during business hours (Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Closed weekends and statutory holidays). 

It is the responsibility of the Vulnerable Person and/or their legal advocate/guardian to renew participation in the Vulnerable Person Registry on a yearly basis and to ensure that the information on file is current and valid. If not renewed, the file will be deactivated. 

If required, changes to information can be made before the annual renewal by re-submitting the Vulnerable Person Registry Form with the updated information. 

To remove a registrant from the VPR, email your request to the Vulnerable Person Registry Unit. 

Only LPS personnel who require this information in the performance of their duties will have access to the information.

If necessary, this information may also be shared with other police agencies or agencies assisting the LPS in locating and/or interacting with the registered Vulnerable Person.

The Lethbridge Police Service can be reached on the non-emergency phone line at 403-328-4444. 

In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

No, you will not need to have the Police File Number.

It is helpful to let police know that the Vulnerable Person is on the VPR so that information can be quickly accessed and verified using the person's name or address.