Date: January 14, 2004

     A program to help identify and reunite lost, memory-impaired persons with their families was       introduced today by Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator.

     The Sheriff's Operation Safeguard (SOS) program provides participants with a free bracelet engraved with the name and phone number of the Caddo Sheriff's Office and an ID number for the participant.  The ID number corresponds to information provided by the participant's family that is maintained in a database at the Sheriff's Office.  The information includes the home address, phone number and emergency contacts for the participant.

     "This is something that has been needed in Caddo Parish for some time, and I'm happy that the Sheriff's Office can be the link to get those who are missing safely home," Prator said.

    SOS will operate from the sheriff's Communications Division seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  All that's needed to participate and receive a bracelet is to fill out a registration form.  Information provided to the Sheriff's Office is brief and non-intrusive.  Photos are optional but helpful, the sheriff said.

    The Sheriff's Office worked with Caddo Council on Aging and Alzheimer's Services Inc. to develop the program.  Funding is provided by the Sheriff's Office and private donations.

    For more information or to register for the program, contact the Sheriff's Office Community Programs Section at 681-0870 or 681-0871.