Project 'Take Me Home' Helps Aliso Viejo Stay Safe

ALISO VIEJO, CA — The sight of Orange County Sheriff's Department DUKE helicopter circling communities is no rare thing in Aliso Viejo. Often, officials seek missing, at-risk individuals who have wandered from their homes.

In July, the OCSD launched a regional registry to help families and caregivers of those with medical conditions, special needs, and disabilities are more quickly located. Known as the "Take Me Home" registry, this is a free service to all residents in the OCSD's jurisdiction, they said in a recent release.

"The registry will only be accessible by law enforcement," OCSD spokeswoman Carrie Braun said. "This will assist in officer response time, and include critical information that will help maximize search efforts."

Information will include emergency contact information, known routines and behaviors, calming techniques, and up-to-date photographs.

"Take Me Home serves as a tool for personnel, wherever they receive the missing person report," Braun said.

If a registrant is at a care facility or a residence, deputies will quickly know how to talk to or approach someone with communication challenges.

"We are always looking for opportunities to enhance our ability to keep all residents safe, and this registry is one way to do that. Families that have loved ones who need assistance in communicating with law enforcement can help us in providing information to Take Me Home," said Sheriff Don Barnes. "If they are registered, families can know the Sheriff's Department has a tool to assist in communicating with their loved one and bringing them home safely."

Take Me Home was piloted in April in the cities of Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo, with full implementation launching July.

The Sheriff's Department modeled its registry after San Diego's Take Me Home and other similar programs utilized by law enforcement, including the Irvine Police Department's Return Home Registry.

Learn more or register at: ocsd.org/takemehome.