The Augusta Police Department is reminding residents about its Wanderer Program, that could help increase the chances of finding a lost loved one with developmental disabilities.

The Wanderer Program is set up to help police and rescue workers find people who are prone to wander due to Alzheimer's, Autism, or other mental or medical conditions. Family members or caregivers can register for the program and will be asked to provide some vital information.

Lieutenant Chris Read told us the information requested includes things like the person's favorite place to hide in the house, and their favorite place to hide when they're away from the house. Is there a name they prefer, like a nickname? Do they have any medical conditions, like seizures, that searchers should be prepared for? And, of course, one or more pictures are always a big help.

It doesn't cost anything to sign up for the program. And Lieutenant Read says the information is kept on a secure server, so it will only be available to police, and other agencies that might be involved in the search.

For more information or to get your loved one signed up, contact Lieutenant Read at the Augusta Police Department, 626-2370, Extension 3409. You can also fill out an application online. He says the program is not exclusive to Augusta, so folks should contact their local law enforcement agency to ask about whether it's available in their communities.

More From WWMJ Ellsworth Maine