Winter Park Police Offer Free 'Are You OK?' Daily Check-in Program for Resident Well-being

The Winter Park Police Department continues to offer its free Are You O.K.? (R.U.O.K.) program, a computer-automated telephone reassurance system designed to provide daily check-ins for eligible residents. This service aims to ensure the safety and well-being of senior citizens, disabled individuals, and anyone else in the community who benefits from regular contact.

R.U.O.K. provides peace of mind for subscribers and their families by establishing a daily automated call. If the system does not receive an answer after a second attempt, a dispatcher calls the subscriber. Should the dispatcher also be unable to reach the individual, an officer is then dispatched to the residence to check on their welfare.

Enrollment in the R.U.O.K. program requires a short interview where participants provide contact information for family, friends, neighbors, physicians, and clergy. This ensures that in the event of an unanswered call, the police have immediate access to a network of contacts who can assist. Subscribers also set their preferred daily call time during this interview.

A key requirement for R.U.O.K. participants is enrollment in the department's Lock Box Program. This allows officers to gain access to a residence if necessary during a welfare check, particularly when a subscriber cannot answer the door. Residents can also temporarily suspend calls for vacations by notifying the department before they leave.