Caddo Parish Launches Disability Decal Program for First Responders

New 'Friends of the Community' initiative aims to improve emergency response for individuals with special needs

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office has launched a new program called 'Friends of the Community' that provides a Voluntary Disability Decal for individuals with special needs. The decal alerts first responders to the person's needs during emergencies, promoting safer and more compassionate interactions. Residents can obtain the free decals through participating agencies to display on their homes or vehicles.

Why it matters

This program is an important step toward greater inclusivity and public safety in the Caddo Parish community. By equipping first responders with information about individuals' special needs, it can help ensure more appropriate and effective emergency assistance, especially for those who may have difficulty communicating or understanding instructions.

The details

The 'Friends of the Community' initiative is a collaboration between the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office and other regional law enforcement agencies. Residents who choose to participate can obtain the Voluntary Disability Decals at no cost from various locations, including CPSO substations, Safety Town, and the Community Relations and Crime Prevention Office. The decals are meant to be prominently displayed on the front window of a home or near the rear driver's side window of a vehicle, so that first responders can quickly recognize and assess the needs of individuals with special needs during emergencies.

  • The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office launched the 'Friends of the Community' program in February 2026.

The players

Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that spearheaded the 'Friends of the Community' program to provide Voluntary Disability Decals for individuals with special needs.

Bossier City Police Department

One of the participating agencies where residents can obtain the Voluntary Disability Decals.

Shreveport Police Department

One of the participating agencies where residents can obtain the Voluntary Disability Decals.

Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office

One of the participating agencies where residents can obtain the Voluntary Disability Decals.

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What’s next

The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office encourages all residents with special needs to obtain and display the Voluntary Disability Decals to ensure first responders are aware of their needs during emergencies.

The takeaway

The 'Friends of the Community' program demonstrates Caddo Parish's commitment to supporting individuals with special needs and improving emergency response efforts. By providing a simple yet effective tool like the Voluntary Disability Decal, the community is taking proactive steps to foster more inclusive and compassionate interactions between residents and first responders.