KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Overland Park Police Department announced Friday the launch of a new community-focused program.

The police department said the goal of the program is to improve interactions between first responders and community members with developmental disabilities, mental health needs or other similar concerns.

It aims to improve communications between first responders and the community by providing practical resources to help officers, firefighters and medical personnel quickly identify and respond appropriately to community members who may require a different approach during an interaction.

"Our officers are often the first point of contact during a crisis, this voluntary self advocacy program will help us better understand and support our community," Police Chief Doreen Jo

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