Mineral Wells Area News

Reporting by Gary Norman / Mineral Wells Area News

The Mineral Wells Police Department has implemented the Take Me Home Program to assist first responders in identifying and reuniting missing individuals who have cognitive or communication disabilities with their families or caretakers.

Under the program, Mineral Wells area residents are encouraged to submit a photograph and complete a registration form providing a physical description, emergency contact information, and other pertinent details about a disabled family member or client. The information is stored in a confidential database that can be quickly accessed by Mineral Wells police officers to help identify nonverbal or cognitively challenged individuals they may encounter in the community.

All information is securely stored in accordance with state law within the City of Mineral Wells’ computer systems and is accessible only to Mineral Wells police officers. Officers receive in-house training on how to use the system.

Police Chief Tim Denison, who implemented the program, said he became familiar with it through previous work experience and has seen it used successfully in other departments across the country.

“It seems like everybody either has somebody in their family or a friend that they have experienced this with,” Denison said. “This is just another tool out there to try to keep them safe in the event they need help.”

Denison added that Mineral Wells officers receive regular training as part of their required continuing professional education on how to best interact with individuals experiencing mental health, cognitive, or communication challenges.

There is no charge to register for the Take Me Home Program, and residents are encouraged to keep their information updated. Registration forms are available at the Mineral Wells Police Department Dispatch Center, located at 212 N. Oak St., Mineral Wells, Texas 76067, or online at https://www.mineralwellstx.gov/484/Take-Me-Home-Project.

For more information, contact the Mineral Wells Police Department at 940-328-7770.