In an effort to bolster the safety of community members with cognitive disabilities, the Redmond Police Department has rolled out a new initiative. Dubbed the Take Me Home program, it is designed to aid individuals who might find themselves in situations where they're unable to effectively communicate with first responders due to cognitive or developmental disabilities.

According to a press release from the Redmond government's website, the program serves as a voluntary registry where caregivers can enroll family members who suffer from various cognitive challenges, including autism, Down syndrome, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Individuals who are registered and later found alone or reported missing can be quickly assisted by officers, who will have access to emergency contact information in a secure database, Reuniting people with cognitive disabilities with their caregivers to reduce the confusion and trauma that often accompanies such incidents is the overarching aim.

Registrants in the program must live, work, or attend school in Redmond to participate. They will have a digital photo taken, and provide demographic details along with emergency contact information for the database that Redmond Police will maintain. The registry seeks to bridge the gap between those who may become disoriented and the officers who find them, ensuring a more informed and compassionate response in potentially distressing situations.

Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe emphasized the program's significance in a compassionate society, stating, “The goal of the Take Me Home program is to help reduce the trauma of emergency situations and reunite individuals with their families,” According to the City of Redmond website, families and legal guardians are encouraged to register their loved ones to ensure their safety and peace of mind in uncertain times.