TAKE ME HOME
is a free service Offered by the Knoxville Police Department through the Kevin and Avonte Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant.
Take Me Home is a registry which allows family members and legal guardians to voluntarily register emergency contact information for individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities (such as autism, dementia and Alzheimer’s) who live, work or go to school within the Knoxville City limits.
If an individual is found alone, or is reported missing, law enforcement and emergency services personnel can search the Take Me Home registry for emergency contact information, detailed physical description, and a photo of the individual, saving valuable time.
No matter what the age or diagnosis, our goal, at the Knoxville Police Department, is to bring your loved one home as quickly as possible utilizing the information voluntarily provided in the Take Me Home registry.
Contact Information
Email: takemehome@knoxvilletn.gov
Phone: 865-215-6819
If your loved one has wandered away from safety, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
Tell dispatch you have registered your family member with the Take Me Home program. They will immediately notify the responding officers so they can begin the search before arriving on scene. It is our goal, at the Knoxville Police Department, to bring your loved one home as quickly as possible.
Scent Preservation Kits
The Scent Evidence Kits have been scientifically tested and proven to save lives. These kits have effectively been utilized around the world by law enforcement agencies, first responders and families. Your scent is like your fingerprint and can help first responders find the lost quickly and bring them home safely.
Each scent kit includes:
- Specialized Evidence-grade Jar
- Sterile Gauze Pad
- ID Label
- Non-Allergenic Gloves
- Tamper Proof Tape
- Detailed Instructions
- Individual Preparedness Plan Flash Drive
Swipe, seal and store your loved one’s unique scent. The kit is easy to use and can last up to 10 years. The Individual Preparedness Plan Flash Drive contains reporting instructions so you will know what to do in the event your loved one goes missing. Search and Rescue K-9 units will be able to quickly utilize the scent kit to immediately begin searching for your loved one.
By completing and storing your scent kit, it will provide another layer of protection as well as aid officers in their search.
The Take Me Home database is maintained by the Knoxville Police Department and can only be accessed by first responders and public safety personnel. All information is kept confidential.
By registering with the Take Me Home program, and entering the requested data, law enforcement will have the information they need to immediately begin a search, should your loved one wander away.
This webpage is funded through a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Assistance Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse the webpage (including without limitations, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tolls provided).
Wandering Safety Prevention
Safety prevention is very similar for children as well as adults who are on the autism spectrum, have developmental delays, dementia or Alzheimer’s. Registering with the Take Me Home program is the first step in wandering safety.
Secure Home / Yard
- Locks
- Alarms
- Barriers
- Fencing
Community Safety
- Alert Neighbors
- Create a Safety Plan
- Introduce to Law Enforcement & First Responders
- Utilize Wearable Forms of ID
- Consider a Locative Device
Teach Safety Measures
- Enroll in Swim Lessons
- Teach Water Safety
- Role Play Scenarios
- Respond to Name
- Request Help When Lost
- Safely Cross a Street
- Have a Safety Plan
- Wearable ID or ID Card
Wandering Emergency Plan
- First, Call 911!
- Search Bodies of Water
- Check With Neighbors
- Explore Abandoned Cars / Buildings
- Investigate Favorite Locations
Local and National Resources
ASK (Autism Site Knoxville)
865-816-9716
Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville
865-247-0065
Autism Society of East Tennessee
865-247-5082
National Autism Center
877-313-3833
Adult Protective Services
888-277-8366
Alzheimer’s Association
865-200-6668
Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc.
865-544-6288
Pat Summitt Foundation
865-824-1223
Seniors Helping Seniors
865-269-4483
DSAG (Down Syndrome Awareness Group)
865-202-8867
National Down Syndrome Society
800-221-4602
disABILITY Resource Center
865-637-3666
1650 Huron Street
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: (865) 215-7000
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