By Sergeant Keith Stambaugh
In law enforcement, we are often tasked with solving critical incidents in moments where seconds count, especially when it involves locating a missing person with Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or other developmental or cognitive disabilities.
During my time at the FBI National Academy, I authored an article for the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin detailing the creation of a voluntary registry in Silver Spring Township, Pennsylvania. That registry was developed out of necessity after a high-risk wandering case involving a senior citizen, and it quickly became a valuable tool for our officers.
The system was simple by design: families could voluntarily submit essential information, photos, contact details, behavioral traits and medical concerns, so officers could quickly identify and assist individuals in crisis. The purpose is to reunite missing persons with loved ones, reduce the time officers spent on scene, and improve outcomes for individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities.
That foundational program laid the groundwork for what would become the Simple Tracking System (STS). After reading my article, Emergency Services Group International (ESGI) reached out, recognizing that their existing application could enhance and support the goals of our registry. From there, we partnered to refine the platform, tailoring it to meet the specific operational needs of law enforcement. That collaboration led to the launch of a successful pilot program in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, demonstrating how technology can strengthen community safety and improve outcomes for our most vulnerable populations.
The Simple Tracking System in action
When a missing person call is received, law enforcement can search the Simple Tracking System for critical information: identifying characteristics, emergency contacts, medical needs, communication preferences and behavioral guidance. This allows officers to tailor their search strategy and approach, especially important when dealing with someone who may be nonverbal, easily startled by lights or sirens, or unable to communicate their name or address.
If a bystander or officer locates someone who appears lost or confused, the system can also be used to confirm identity and quickly alert caregivers. This fast response reduces the risk of injury, prevents prolonged searches, and minimizes emotional strain on both families and first responders.
Each individual entry includes multiple voluntary fields of information submitted by family members or caregivers. These range from those essential for an NCIC entry or media release to medical details that ensure continuity of care. Emergency contacts are among the most frequently accessed details by law enforcement. But additional information, such as diagnoses, medications, preferred hospitals and even calming strategies, can be shared with EMS and hospital staff to improve outcomes. Every data point has a clear purpose and can dramatically speed up both reunification and care.
Operational benefits for law enforcement
While the primary value of the Simple Tracking System lies in protecting vulnerable individuals and supporting families, the operational advantages for law enforcement agencies are equally compelling.
Responding to incidents involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or other developmental or cognitive disabilities often requires extended time on scene, heightened situational awareness, and coordination with EMS, social services and hospitals. A study analyzing hundreds of search and rescue cases involving individuals with dementia found that the average cost per incident for law enforcement was over $13,500, due largely to personnel hours and resource demands. In many cases, 90% of individuals found alive were located within 48 hours, underscoring how critical early identification and access to accurate information can be. [1]
Officers across the country routinely respond to calls involving individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities, many of which involve complex communication needs, heightened risk of harm, and significant time investment. Without background information, these calls often result in delayed reunification, increased officer stress, and prolonged unavailability of patrol units.
The Simple Tracking System functions as a proactive pre-registration tool, enabling agencies to:
- Rapidly confirm the identity of a vulnerable individual.
- Access key medical, behavioral, and emergency contact information in the field.
- Tailor de-escalation approaches using caregiver-provided guidance.
- Reduce average time on scene and overall response effort.
- Minimize repeat calls through improved engagement and follow-up.
In high-demand environments, every minute matters. By reducing investigative burden and allowing for faster, safer outcomes, STS improves public safety and helps departments better allocate limited resources.
From concept to field test: Cumberland County’s STS pilot
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, has become the first jurisdiction to launch the Simple Tracking System as a pilot program. With its aging population and growing number of individuals diagnosed with developmental or cognitive disabilities, the county was well-positioned to take a proactive step toward modernizing its public safety tools.
The pilot program, which officially launched in early May 2025, reflects the county’s commitment to innovation and community-centered policing. While outcomes are still being tracked, the decision to implement a system like STS demonstrates how agencies can lead with foresight and compassion, choosing to act before a crisis occurs rather than in response to one.
District Attorney Sean McCormack noted, “This is an app that will help law enforcement to have that information upfront and that’s groundbreaking.” The program’s early adoption in Cumberland County offers a promising framework for other agencies interested in bridging operational needs with the evolving expectations of modern policing.
The long-term success of any such system depends on registration. The more families who voluntarily enroll their loved ones, the more effective this proactive pre-registration tool will become in supporting law enforcement and protecting vulnerable members of the community.
A call for broader adoption
Cumberland County’s adoption of the Simple Tracking System offers a roadmap for agencies nationwide looking to improve their response to individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities. It reflects a modern, compassionate approach to policing — one that protects lives, saves time and fosters community trust.
As the number of individuals living with autism, dementia and similar diagnoses continues to grow, so does the need for accessible tools that support early identification, effective communication, and safe reunification. Law enforcement doesn’t have to wait until a tragedy occurs. This is a solution and implementation is simple. Let’s make this a new norm.
For more information or to request a free demo of the Simple Tracking System, visit www.simpletrackingsystem.com.
Training discussion points
- How could your agency incorporate voluntary registration systems to support at-risk populations?
- What policies or privacy safeguards would need to be in place to ensure responsible data use?
- How might technology partnerships like this one improve operational efficiency in other areas of policing?
Tactical takeaway
Audit your agency’s response plan for missing or at-risk individuals. If critical information isn’t accessible within minutes, explore adopting or adapting a pre-registration system like STS to close that gap and improve reunification outcomes.
Does your agency have a similar program in place to help at-risk individuals? Share below.
References
- Rowe MA, et al. (2011). Persons with dementia missing in the community: Is it wandering or something unique? Journal of Aging Research.
- The Autism Dad. (2024). Understanding wandering in autism and dementia: Risks, reasons and prevention tips.
- OraCare. (2020). Research shows dementia wandering is more lethal than we thought.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2024). Advancing United States-based child and family reunification.
About the author
Keith Stambaugh is a 24-year veteran law enforcement professional with a passion for proactive public safety solutions. He has served as a Patrol Sergeant with the Silver Spring Township Police Department, in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, since 2014, and has been with the department since 2008. A graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Session 282, Keith is the author of a featured article in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin on voluntary registries for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism and other special needs, a subject he has championed the last decade of his career. He currently collaborates with Emergency Services Group International (ESGI) to develop The Simple Tracking System, a forward-thinking app designed to support timely, informed responses during incidents involving persons with developmental or cognitive disabilities. His work bridges traditional policing with modern technology, intending to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.
