Exeter Police Implement Program For People With Alzheimer's

EXETER, NH — The Exeter Police Department has implemented a new program to help officers respond better to incidents involving people with Alzheimer's and special needs. A new system has been created to enable police to respond faster to a situation in which a person wonders off, gets lost of has a medical emergency, police say. Those caring for someone with Alzheimer's or special needs are encouraged to sign up for the program.

"We want to ensure that if someone from one of our vulnerable populations goes missing, or is in need of medical attention, that we can find or help that person as quickly as possible," said Police Chief William Shupe. "This program is truly one of value and will help residents feel at ease knowing that their loved ones are being taken care of in the event of an emergency."

Those caring for someone living in Exeter who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, is an elderly person who tends to wonder or get lost, or is someone with special needs are encouraged to sign up for the program, by visiting the Exeter Police Department's website. Fill out the application form and bring it to the police station. The information included in the form is necessary to help police identify the person, such as height, weight, and hair and eye color. Police also ask that emergency contact information is included, along with the person's primary care physician, allergy information, medications, a preferred hospital and a photo ID if possible.

If a person becomes lost, call the Exeter Police Department at 603-772-1212 and report the incident immediately. Notify the officers that the resident participates in the program.