The faster the police can respond to a missing person report, the better the chance of a happy outcome. So Police Chief James Babu wants people to know about some ways families can help officers act quickly if someone is missing.
The Police Department offers specific alert forms for people who are among the most likely to be reported missing—those with dementia or autism. There is also a general alert form for anyone a family might be particularly concerned about for other reasons.
The forms include basic information about the person such as a photograph, a physical description, their favorite places, and the car they might be driving. The form also asks about medications the missing person takes and a phone number for their doctor.
Having these basic facts already on hand, Babu said, can save police a crucial half-hour or more at the beginning of a search. While some Harvard families have already filled out the forms, Babu said he believes there are many others for whom having the information on file might prove helpful in an emergency. The forms are available at the Public Safety Building at 40 Ayer Road or on the Police Department’s website, www.harvard-ma.gov/police-department.
