New program highlights Richardson Police’s commitment to inclusive community safety efforts

Richardson, Texas (Press release) – The Richardson Police Department has unveiled a new program aimed at assisting individuals with cognitive disabilities who may struggle to communicate in emergency situations. The “Take Me Home” program is designed to streamline the process of reuniting these individuals with their families or caretakers when they are found by officers.

In cases where a person with a cognitive disability is reported missing or encountered wandering by law enforcement, the lack of ability to communicate can delay their return home. The “Take Me Home” program helps alleviate this issue by providing officers with immediate access to critical information. If a participant is located, officers can quickly retrieve details such as a recent photo, identifying information, and emergency contacts from a secure database, helping to speed up the reunification process.

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Families or caregivers can enroll their loved ones in the program by completing an online form, which requires submitting key information like the person’s height, weight, identifying features, and a recent photo. All data is stored securely and is accessible only by public safety personnel, ensuring privacy and protection.

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The Richardson Police Department hopes the program will offer peace of mind to families while enhancing the safety and well-being of those with communication challenges. This new service underscores the department’s commitment to improving community safety and supporting residents in times of need. To register and learn more, visit www.richardsonpolice.net\takemehome or contact the Richardson Police Community Relations Unit at 972-744-4955.

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The Take Me Home program was first developed by the Pensacola Police Department in 2003 and has become widely adopted by law enforcement agencies across the country.