The Mineola Police Department has launched the Take Me Home Program originally developed by the Pensacola, Fla. Police Dept.

Responsible persons may register loved ones who could need special assistance if they are alone or in an emergency. The program is particularly helpful if the individual is unable to communicate or properly identify themselves in the event they become disoriented or if they may act in a manner that could be misinterpreted by first responders.

This is a free service offered by the Mineola Police Department for any Mineola resident within the city limits who has difficulty communicating.

It is intended to serve individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome or developmental or intellectual disabilities. It is also intended to assist senior citizens who may suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

The Take Me Home program is housed and maintained in a secure database accessible only to public safety personnel.

Families or individuals are invited to complete a Take Me Home form and submit a recent photograph, which provides essential information about the loved one with special needs. The form includes information such as height, weight and other identifying information along with emergency contact information as well as a recent photograph.

This information is secured in the dispatch center, which allows police officers and emergency services personnel to access the information quickly.

When a police officer or emergency services personnel encounters a participant in the Take Me Home program, they can access the Take Me Home database through the dispatch center by name or physical description. In turn, this information will allow police to return the participant home or make contact with responsible persons as needed.

This system can also work in reverse. In the event a participant is missing, the picture and description are immediately available and can be provided to police and emergency services personnel.

In this case, the department encourages loved ones to call 9-1-1 as soon as possible to report the missing person. Be sure to inform the dispatch center that the individual is registered in the Take Me Home database.

For more information about the Take Me Home Program, contact the police department at 903-569-6294.

The registration form can be found on the city website, Mineola.com, under the police department information.