St. Peters Program Helps Police ID People with Alzheimer’s, Other Conditions

A new free program in St. Peters could shorten the amount of time it takes for police to return a loved one with autism or dementia to his or her family. Families of people with a variety of health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease can provide information voluntarily that could help if their loved ones wander away.

Lt. Tim Snavely said the idea began with Alzheimer’s in mind, but it is open to people with a variety of conditions such as autism, geriatric diabetes, Huntington’s disease, cerebral palsy and geriatric dementia, all of which may make communication difficult.

The department is accepting voluntary information from caregivers and family members who can provide a physical description and current photograph, as well as contact information to call if a loved one is found.

Although the St. Peters program is believed to be the first of its kind among St. Louis police departments, it bears some similarities to a national registry by the Alzheimer’s Association.

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