'Take me home'

The Cape Girardeau Police Department about a year ago launched a local database, called the "Take Me Home" program so that officers would be able to identify individuals with disabilities.

The database includes descriptive information, such as how to communicate with them and to help safeguard against misinterpreting the actions of those with disabilities. The database also contains information about those who are dependent on insulin. People ranging from ages 3 to 92 are included.

The program has been embraced by school districts and advocacy organizations. And the idea appears to be spreading across the state. The Perryville Police Department began its version of the program, and the Cape Girardeau Police Department introduced the concept to Columbia more recently. The database was developed by a Florida police department in 2003, and the Cape Girardeau department adopted it to fit this city and other departments in the state.

It's nice to see the police department engaged in such a project and responding in a proactive way to the needs of the disabled in this community and beyond.