Tybee PD utilizes tool to help officers better respond to residents with special needs

by Brontë Sorotsky

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - The Tybee Island Police Department now has a new tool to better serve the community.

They just announced they’re participating in Logan’s List.

It’s a database that allows neighbors to register the names of people with special needs in their homes, helping officers better respond to those situations. It’s been around in Georgia since 2021.

Originally named after autistic young girl Logan Stuart, lawmakers created this program when they passed Logan’s Law in 2021. Tybee Police Department joined the voluntary program to better serve the community.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to better serve our community,” said Captain Emory Randolph, Public Information Officer Tybee Island Police Department.

With the addition of Logan’s List, the Tybee Island Police Department hopes to do exactly that.

“We send police officers to calls with little to no information every day. And sometimes when they arrive on scene, it’s a very chaotic or even violent situation. They’re expected to make split-second decisions to protect themselves and everyone around them,” said Captain Randolph.

In 2010, a Tybee Island police officer used a stun gun on an autistic teen. Authorities said the teen appeared drunk and became agitated outside a bar.

“15 years ago, there was a very high profile incident where a gentleman with autism was unfortunately arrested,” said Captain Randolph. “And that was another situation where the officers were making spur of the moment decisions and did not have this type of information available. I can’t say it would have changed the outcome, but I’d like to believe that in 2025 we’re better prepared.”

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Now, the island is taking steps to ensure officers are better equipped to support individuals with special needs.

Family members can register loved ones by providing details about their special concerns or conditions, triggers, and techniques that can help de-escalate a situation.

“We want all of our community members to know that we care about them deeply. It’s important to us that we provide the best service possible,” said Captain Randolph.

How families can participate

Families can register loved ones on the city’s website, here.

While the service applies only to Tybee Island residents, visitors can contact the Police Department to share anything they’d like officers to be aware of during their stay.

Police say they’ve already seen their first submission to the database.