Cumberland County Dementia & Autism Community Registry

In a first-of-its-kind pilot, Cumberland County is partnering with STS to allow communities to register loved ones with disorders impacting their mental capacity and development or those to prone to wandering to make it easier for public safety to identify individuals in their times of need and provide necessary assistance.

To strengthen community safety and support, Cumberland County has partnered with Simple Tracking System to launch a first-of-its-kind program. This initiative invites families across our communities, including New Cumberland Borough, to voluntarily register loved ones who have conditions affecting mental capacity or development, or those prone to wandering. By doing so, we are making it easier for public safety officials to quickly identify and assist individuals in times of need.

The registry is designed to enhance the ability of law enforcement officers to locate and provide personalized help to residents diagnosed with Autism, Dementia, and other special needs. Families can securely share important information—ranging from a photograph and medical details to communication preferences and calming strategies—ensuring officers have immediate access to these critical insights during emergencies.

This technology allows officers to take a photo of an individual and conduct an instant image comparison to identify potential matches. When a registered person is identified, real-time access to their profile helps our first responders reunite them with their families swiftly and safely. Additionally, the system streamlines reporting by facilitating entry into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database and supports the timely creation of community-wide alerts to aid in locating those who may have wandered.

Do you have a family member or loved one with a disorder impacting their mental capacity or development? Do you worry they may wander and become lost or confused?

Register your loved one with the Cumberland County Dementia & Autism Community Registry and allow public safety to better assist them during their times of need.