CHARLES COUNTY, Md. – Last week, officers responded to a call from a motorist who observed an elderly person walking in the street wearing a bathrobe and without shoes. When the motorist stopped to check on the person, the person was confused, unable to articulate information, and appeared lost. Situations like this happen, and sometimes it can take much longer to identify a person. That’s why we want to remind you of a program we have called the Voluntary Registry Program (VRP) – designed to assist officers in cases like this and other scenarios.
The VRP is designed to help officers quickly and accurately identify people who may:
• Be unable to identify themselves or respond appropriately
• Wander or become lost due to a disability
• Be nonverbal or have difficulty communicating
Through the VRP, an application is submitted, and each application is carefully reviewed and vetted. Once approved, the individual’s information—including key identifiers and descriptors—will be securely entered into our Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. This allows officers to quickly work with police communications officers to help identify the person, provide help if needed, and safely reunite them with family or caregivers.
All information is secure, confidential, and protected.
How to Register: Visit the CCSO website: Community > Programs and Services > VRP Form and complete and submit the online form.
Send a current photo of your loved one to VRP@ccso.us.
We encourage families and caregivers to take advantage of this free program. It’s a simple but powerful way to protect loved ones and support first responders.
For questions or assistance, please contact the CCSO at 301-609-6233.