GREENSBORO, N.C. — Editor's note: the video above is about a separate initiative with the Winston-Salem Police Department.
First responders and families have more resources to help strengthen the lines of communication.
The City of Greensboro launched the 'Take Me Home' program in 2021, which allows families to register information about high-risk loved ones who may have difficulty communicating with first responders.
The city's website said the program is particularly intended to serve individuals with Autism, Down Syndrome, Alzheimer's, and Dementia.
In the last year, police said 41 people have been registered in the database. Lieutenant Frances Banks said she hopes that number grows.
"I think definitely, it has helped because anytime you have a tool to assist law enforcement officers with making citizens or having to keep citizens safe, that is definitely a great tool. I would like to see more because currently, we have 41, and, of course, the more we have the better the program is. The better it is for us and the citizens," she said.
Families can log on to the city's website to find information about the program. To register, families will have to fill out a form right on the website.
The database will contain information about what the person looks like, their name and street address, emergency contacts, and what the person might be afraid of.
"Triggers [are] very important because it allows the officer to better communicate with an individual who may be experiencing these crises. It might be blue lights. They might not like -- blue lights might scare them, so when an officer is approaching the individual and they see that information they know to turn off their blue lights which will help the encounter," she said.
Family members can also list other triggers or fears that aren't listed on the form and other behaviors they might have.
First responders can use the 'Take Me Home' database as a resource to find out what might calm someone or de-escalate a tense or stressful situation.
The database can also be a resource if the individual goes missing. First responders will have a list of their favorite places they most likely visit, triggers, stimulants, and communication techniques to help reunite them with loved ones.
Lt. Banks encourages any family with an individual that meets the criteria to register.
"You never know. Although we would like to think the individual would be safe and not come into contact with us and they know their way home and they know how to communicate with law enforcement officers, you just don’t know. One day the person might be going through a crisis, so having us there and having that information. I would definitely encourage anyone who fits the criteria to register their loved ones," said Lt. Banks.
The city also has a list of frequently asked questions. The department said all members of the community with cognitive impairment or disability that affects their ability to communicate are eligible.