St. Charles Police Launch C.A.R.E.S. Program

ST. CHARLES, IL — The St. Charles Police Department has launched a new program that is meant to help residents who suffer from mental health-related disorders or illnesses, such as Alzheimer's.

The C.A.R.E.S. Program, which stands for Citizens at Risk Entry System, is a volunteer program. The idea behind the program is to allow residents who suffer from any number of illnesses or mental health related disorders to register their information with the police department, according to a news release from the police department.

This would provide first responders who are responding to a call for service involving the resident a background with relevant information that could assist with providing a faster and more immediate resolution, authorities said.

“Everyday, we respond to calls for service where someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis, or perhaps is suffering from a disease such as Alzheimer’s and has wandered off," said Jim Keegan, police chief for the St. Charles Police Department. "The voluntary C.A.R.E.S. program sign-up will allow us immediate access to information, such as family members contact information and other helpful information specific to the individual."

Keegan said "similar programs have proven to be very successful in other communities, and we look forward to offering this opportunity to our residents."

Those wishing to sign themselves or a family member up for the program can do so on the city's website or e-mail the police department at frontdesk@stcharlesil.gov.

All information given would be strictly confidential and provided to first responders only.