St. Charles police department launches CARES program for residents at risk

St. Charles residents who suffer from an illness or mental health-related disorders can now sign up for a voluntary program called C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Citizens At Risk Entry System.

The idea behind the program is to allow residents or their family members to register their information with 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.

Police Chief Jim Keegan explained, “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. The voluntary CARES program sign-up will allow us immediate access to information, such as family members contact information and other helpful information specific to the individual.”

Chief Keegan went on to state that, “similar programs have proven to be very successful in other communities, and we look forward to offering this opportunity to our residents”.

To sign up for the program, visit www.stcharlesil.gov/cares-program, or email the police department directly at frontdesk@stcharlesil.gov. All information given would be strictly confidential to first responders only.