Shepherd Program

Safeguard Your Loved One

As a guardian for a loved one suffering from Autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other mental impairment, you already face many challenges. If one of those challenges involves your loved one wandering away from home, the Friendswood Police Department would like to be prepared to locate that person as soon as possible.

Implementation

In response to legislation enacted September 1, 2011, the Texas Department of Public Safety implemented the Endangered Missing Persons Alert Network as a means to assist law enforcement in the recovery of missing persons with an Intellectual Disability. Endangered Missing Persons Alerts typically resemble those alerts issued for abducted children (Amber Alerts), using similar notification technologies.

The Shepherd Program is designed to collect information in advance of a wandering incident that is both critical in locating a missing person and required by the State to launch an Alert. Collected information is treated as confidential unless needed to locate a missing person.

Participation

Participation in the Shepherd Program is voluntary and free of charge. The Friendswood Police Department only requires that you completely fill out an application for the loved one you wish to register. For more information about the program and to register, download the Shepherd Program Application (PDF) and the Shepherd Program Brochure (PDF).