Vestal Police Launch ‘Handle with Care’ Registry to Help Protect Vulnerable Loved Ones

When someone you love has dementia, autism, or another condition that makes them prone to wandering, the fear of them going missing is always in the back of your mind. The Vestal Police Department understands that worry and has launched a tool to help ease it: the Handle with Care Registry.

This proactive program is designed to assist officers in quickly and safely returning individuals home if they become lost or disoriented.

How the Registry Works

The Handle with Care Registry is a confidential database that allows families to provide important identifying information about their loved one, including a current photograph, home address, and emergency contact details.

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If someone registered goes missing or is found wandering, Vestal police officers can immediately access this information to help reunite them with their family faster and more efficiently.

Why It Matters

For officers, having this information at their fingertips in a crisis can make a critical difference. And for families, it offers a deep sense of reassurance that help will come quickly if ever needed.

Who Should Consider Registering

The registry is especially helpful for individuals living with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, autism spectrum disorder, or other cognitive or developmental challenges.

Even if your loved one has never wandered before, enrolling them in the registry is a simple step that could be life-saving in an emergency.

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How to Sign Up

Registering is easy and can be done online in just a few minutes. Families can visit the Vestal Police Department’s website to access the form at Handle with Care Registry – Vestal PD. All information is kept secure and is only accessed by officers when needed to assist in a search.