SCORE Supports Inventor Whose Device Spurs Better Communication

In an effort to improve communication between police and motorists, Kimberly St. Clair has designed an organizational system that helps drivers proactively share important, non-visible information—such as medical conditions or disabilities—to police and first responders.

She’s now on a mission to get her patented DOC DASH in the hands of as many people as possible. St. Clair has launched an accredited de-escalation training course for police across Missouri, a specialized curriculum for paramedics, and the Protocols to Police Engagement program for civilians. Recognizing DOC DASH’s impact, the Missouri Department of Transportation has invested in its expansion, funding workshop tours in high schools statewide to educate students on safe and informed interactions with law enforcement.

Designed for uniformity and safety, the DOC DASH unit securely holds essential documents and is stored exclusively in the driver’s side door pocket. This standardized placement eliminates unnecessary reaching or searching during a traffic stop, reducing tension and promoting smooth interactions.

Each unit comes with a decal, placed on the lower left corner of the rear window, which alerts first responders that the driver is DOC DASH-trained, and that vital information is readily available.

In 2022, she reached out to SCORE, a national organization that supports small business owners, for guidance in structuring her business, managing finances and seeking funding. She has been working with SCORE mentor Greg Sahrmann, who helped her gain traction for her product, which she patented in 2023.

“I gave her theoretical advice. She’s really taken it and run with it,” he said. “Being an entrepreneur is like being run over by a bus. The successful entrepreneurs don’t let go of the bumper.”

St. Clair is definitely holding on tight. As part of her outreach efforts, she has given away more than 3,000 units. DOC DASH especially comes in handy for drivers who may appear to be able to understand questions and commands, but in reality cannot because of a hearing impairment, language barrier or disability.

“Police could misinterpret my son as being a jerk,” St. Clair said of her son, who is on the autism spectrum. “He looks and behaves like everyone else but gives the impression that he doesn’t care.”

St. Clair is working on a statewide program with a goal of having information about proper traffic stop protocols shared with every high school in Missouri.

Her business offerings were elevated to a larger audience recently when she participated in SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition.

More than 2,200 small businesses applied to compete in the five pitch events. Contestants were pared down to 60 contenders. Leading up to the competition, participants were matched with a SCORE mentor to help refine their pitch, strengthen their presentation and hone their business plan. St Clair was one of 45 finalists.

“It allows me to sharpen my ability to present,” St. Clair said. “It’s helped with financials and is preparing me for the next level of my journey.”

To learn more about SCORE, request a mentor or volunteer to be one, visit score.org.

About SCORE

Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow, or successfully exit a business. SCORE's 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at score.org.