Cape Girardeau police department spotlights “Take Me Home” program to protect residents
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — In an effort to protect residents and families quickly, the Cape Girardeau Police Department is promoting the “Take Me Home” program, a initiative that’s assisting individuals that may deal with cognitive disabilities who may become lost.
The voluntary program allows caregivers or loved ones to register their loved ones with the police department by submitting information to the Take Me Home Program. That information is stored securely in a database accessible to officers in the field, allowing them to quickly identify and return individuals to their families and loved ones.
“When officers come across individuals who can’t communicate due to cognitive or physical disabilities, it can be difficult to determine where they live or who their caregivers are,” said Bobby Newton, the department’s public information officer. “The Take Me Home program provides that critical information so officers can help get those individuals home safely.”
The department has seen a uptick in cases involving residents with conditions such as autism, alzheimer’s, or dementia who wander from home and are unable to communicate their identity or their home. Newton said the program is a proactive approach to address this growing concern.
“These situations come up quite often,” Newton said. “We’ve seen an uptick in individuals with disabilities who have a home and a caregiver, but they’re not able to share that with us. This program bridges that gap.”
Submitting information is free and simple. Families can visit the Cape Girardeau Police Department’s page on the city’s website, click to the “Resources” section, and fill out the “Take Me Home” form. Once submitted, the information is securely entered into the department’s database.
“It’s super easy,” Newton said. “And it gives us the tools we need to make sure everyone gets home safely.”
The department asks families to register loved ones who may be at risk of becoming lost, as part of its ongoing mission to keep the community safe and sound.
