Redmond Police Launches Program to Enhance Safety for Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities
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The Redmond Police Department recently initiated a program to assist families with members who have cognitive or developmental disabilities in case they go missing or experience an emergency. The Take Me Home program is a voluntary registry database for individuals who are unable to communicate or properly identify themselves if they become disoriented or act in a manner that could be misinterpreted by first responders. The program's goal is to reunite vulnerable members of our community with their caregivers as quickly and safely as possible. The program is for people with autism, Down syndrome, and developmental or cognitive disabilities. It is also meant for community members who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s.
A family member or legal guardian registers emergency contact information for their loved one who lives, works, or attends school in Redmond. Registration includes a digital picture, demographic information, and caregiver contacts. This information is stored in a secure database maintained by the Redmond Police Department. Officers can search the database for emergency contact information if someone registered in the system is found alone or reported missing and appropriately assist the person. “The goal of the Take Me Home program is to help reduce the trauma of emergency situations and reunite individuals with their families,” said Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe.
For more information, visit [https://www. redmond. gov/2149/Take-Me-Home-Program](https://www. redmond. gov/2149/Take-Me-Home-Program).
To register a loved one, please email the Community Engagement Unit at [crimeprevention@redmond. gov](mailto:crimeprevention@redmond. gov).