HARKER HEIGHTS, TX — When a loved one missing it can bring agony to their family.
“Realizing that they’re gone it’s gut-wrenching,” said Harker Heights Police Department Healthy Homes Coordinator & Crime Victims’ Advocate Angel Caroll. “We are just really trying to be able to help the families of these individuals and the individuals get back to their family.”
Harker Heights Police say they receive several calls about missing loved ones... and finding them can take hours.
“A lot of the time their small children or children who don’t want to talk because of their cognitive disabilities. Which we’re able to recognize but it’s just a matter on cutting down on that time and resources.”
Every second counts, which is why Harker Heights Police are starting the “Take Me Home Program.”
“When the officer sees this person in the field and sees they have a wristband on, they’ll know to be able to take the appropriate steps to get them home,” said Harker Heights Police Department Healthy Homes Youth Specialist Destinee Barton.
Officers can use that missing person’s wristband to find contact information including phone numbers and emails, to then reconnect them with family.
“Adjective of the program is to ensure individuals that unable to adequately communicate vital information are returned safely to their homes,” said Caroll.
Waco Police Department also uses the Take Me Home Program. Officials say the free program is the first of its kind in Bell County and they hope other departments follow suit.
