The Federal Way Police Department’s Safe Return program could increase safety and even save lives, but less than 1% of those eligible are registered in the voluntary database.

The Safe Return program is a database of information to help keep vulnerable children and adults safe if they become lost in Federal Way and to help them return safely home sooner. The database is accessible by first responders and includes a recent photo, medical information, frequent locations, emergency contacts and any other information that could help get that person home safely.

If a loved one wanders or runs away, has dementia, autism or cognitive delays or struggles with communication, registration in the Safe Return could be an added layer of protection in case they get lost.

“The whole idea is that we want as many people registered in the system that [we can] because it will help bring them back safely home, but also help them safely interact with officers,” said Tiffany Clemmings, who oversees the program at the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) as part of her role as the Community Engagement Coordinator.

The Safe Return program could come into play in a variety of situations. On is the danger of elopement, which is the act of leaving a safe area unsupervised and potentially entering a harmful environment.

Elopement can occur in people with dementia as well as with people who have cognitive or developmental disabilities. Sometimes this happens when an individual is intentionally leaving a safe area. Other times, someone becomes lost or disoriented unexpectedly.

This situation can become dangerous, especially if that individual is not prepared for or able to respond to risks such as busy traffic, exposure to heat or cold, dehydration, medical complications or unsafe social situations.

The longer a person with dementia is missing, the greater the risk of death. There is a 25% fatality rate if the patient isn’t found within the first 24 hours of an elopement, 40% risk after 72 hours, and 54% for 96 hours or longer, according to a report on hazardous wandering.

Registration is a simple process and can be done by visiting the Federal Way Police Department at 33325 8th Ave. S. in Federal Way or by calling 253-835-6707 or emailing Tiffany.Clemmings@FederalWayWA.gov

After reaching out, caregivers or loved ones will need to provide the full name and date of birth of the vulnerable individual, a recent photo, medical conditions or behavioral info, a physical description, emergency contacts, known triggers or calming techniques and communication preferences.

There isn’t a way to fill out registration online directly because a personal touch helps make sure that all the information is present.

“It’s just a lot easier for me to go through it and see if anything’s missing … it just comes through me so that we can kind of streamline it and get it to the record unit so they can input it,” Clemmings explained.

The Federal Way Community Center offers day trips as part of their inclusive recreation program, like this recent trip on a ferry. Programs like Safe Return can add to a culture of creating safety for vulnerable individuals in our local communities, making opportunities for inclusive recreation even more enjoyable. Photo courtesy of the city of Federal Way.

“A great tool for anyone who might wander off”

Federal Way is a local hub for adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities due to the robust inclusive recreation programming through the Federal Way Community Center, including programs like Friendship Theatre and Special Olympics teams.

Sabrina Bates is the Inclusion Coordinator for the Federal Way Parks and Recreation department and is also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Bates described the Safe Return program as “a great tool for anyone who might wander off or get turned around when out in the community,” and explained that “we serve a lot of individuals who are non-verbal or have cognitive differences and may have challenges communicating their needs.”

“If a participant were to leave a program area or simply get lost heading home in the community, it can be very scary, as they may not be able to communicate their needs or even tell someone where they live,” said Bates, adding that the Safe Return program “gives law enforcement quick access to important information so they can get that person back home safely and quickly.”

The Safe Return program has been active since at least 2018, but a renewed focus in enrolling people in the program began in July. As part of this refresh of the program, officers went through registrations to make sure they were all updated and accurate.

As of July 25, the FWPD only had 39 people registered in the Safe Return program and is hoping to increase those numbers.

In the inclusive recreation program alone, Bates told the Mirror the community center serves more than 350 adults with disabilities each year, many of whom they see weekly. This number doesn’t even include other community members with disabilities, or the thousands of seniors who use the other areas of the community center.

According to the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association, about 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (11%) has Alzheimer’s. This means that in Federal Way, there are most likely over 2,000 individuals who would qualify for this program due to memory issues, using demographic data from 2023.

If a vulnerable individual is found to be missing, caregivers and loved ones should contact 911 as they normally would, Clemmings said, but it would be helpful to note that they are registered in the Safe Return program. First responders will then take next steps from there and have the information from the database to help them get that person safely home.

Alert systems

Washington state also has multiple special alert systems for those who are missing and in danger.

Most people are familiar with Amber Alerts, but Washington State Patrol also has an Endangered Missing Persons Advisory for a person who is believed to be in danger and not able to return to safety on their own. Two other alerts highlight especially vulnerable categories of people who would qualify as an Endangered Missing Person:Silver Alerts for those who are over 60, and Missing Indigenous Persons Alerts for those with that identity due to the high rate of violence faced by that community.

A Silver Alert was issued recently in Federal Way for an 82-year-old woman who was eventually found safe. She represents one example of how the ability to be independent can sometimes change quickly, as FWPD Commander Kyle Buchanan told the Mirror that “the family hadn’t seen any issues until about a week ago.”

While the Safe Return program is a great place to start, Clemmings said “this is just part of a bigger plan to keep a very vulnerable population very safe.”

“The police department tries to touch on all facets of public safety, but I think if this population is safe, and whether they are living in Federal Way, or they are frequenting Federal Way, I think it keeps everybody safe,” Clemmings said.

More solutions

In addition to the Safe Return program, Bates highlighted several solutions that could add to the safety of vulnerable populations in Federal Way and beyond.

First, she advocated for the expansion of the program and collaboration between jurisdictions.

“Our inclusive recreation programs travel often on trips across the state, and many of our participants live outside Federal Way. If this program were available across King County and could expand to other cities, it would be even more beneficial for the people we serve,” Bates said. “It would be great to see other cities adopt a program like this and work together, creating a connected network that keeps vulnerable individuals safe no matter where they are.”

Bates also noted the importance of “working with local policy makers to ensure public spaces are ADA accessible and accommodating to people of all abilities,” and emphasized the importance of educating the greater public.

“Public education is a huge part of safety. If we continue to teach the community how to work with people with disabilities, and help them understand that everyone is different, we can build a safer, more inclusive community,” Bates said. “In our programs at the Federal Way Community Center, we make a point to integrate people of all abilities into our programs, so members have real opportunities to interact, communicate, and learn from one another.”

“The more we practice inclusion, the stronger and safer our whole community becomes,” Bates said.

More information can be found at www.federalwaywa.gov/page/safe-return-program

A flyer from the FWPD about the Safe Return program. Courtesy of the FWPD.