At times, our officers come into contact with people of all ages who are lost.  Most of the time, getting them back home is fairly simple. Other times, we encounter people who are disoriented or have a condition that prevents them from remembering their name, personal information, addresses, and names of relatives or other information that would be helpful in returning them home. Alzheimer’s, or a wide variety of other medical or mental conditions may cause this disorientation.

On occasion, officers will also encounter situations where an individual with a medical or mental condition is at their residence. In this setting, not having contact information for a family member can slow the process of getting that person the help that they need.

Circumstances such as these make it difficult for officers to help the person quickly, but more importantly, it creates an additional burden on the person and on the family or caregivers who may not know what is occurring or where they are.

The Watauga Police Department has developed a registration program for people with special needs who may be prone to wander or become disoriented. Additionally, the program is to serve in expediting proper response, should that person need assistance at their home.

As part of the program, we receive and store photographs, emergency contact information, and other personal information for special needs citizens. This information is made readily available to Watauga Police Department Officers. It is stored and accessed in such a manner that first responders may make faster identifications, reunite family members quicker, and get those persons the help they need faster.

Participation in this program is purely voluntary. The information collected is kept secure and is only used by Watauga Police Department Employees to assist those persons in need of our help. The information collected under this program is CONFIDENTIAL (Texas Government Code 552.101) and will only be used in compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 552.

If you would like to participate in the Special Needs Registration Program, simply print the Special Needs Registration Form, fill out the necessary information and return it to the Watauga Police Department, 7101 Whitley Road (next to City Hall and the Library).  Click here for a downloadable form or call (817) 514-5870 for more information.