Sgt. Ryan Rayzor of the Paola Police Department wants to make sure all local residents are kept safe, especially those dealing with disorders that could potentially lead to misunderstandings with law enforcement.
That’s why he has spearheaded the creation of the Take Me Home program at the police department. The program is similar to others across the country that are based on the official Take Me Home program created in 2003 by officer Jimmy Donohoe in Florida. The program is endorsed by the Autism Society, and it was created so that children on the autism spectrum who wander will be returned safely and treated with understanding.
The concept is that police departments will develop a database of people who may need special assistance, which gives officers instant access to photos, emergency contacts and other information to reference if a youth is found wandering but is unresponsive with officers.
Rayzor said the program can be especially beneficial in a small-town community like Paola, because the officers likely will know all of the people registered in the program without even having to reference a database.
That’s why he is encouraging interested residents to schedule a time to come by the Paola Justice Center to pick up an enrollment form and meet the local police officers.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)