Addison C.A.R.E.S.

C.A.R.E.S. – Community Alliance Reaching Everyone Safely is the Addison Police Department’s dedicated welfare check initiative centered on compassion, communication, and collaboration. The program ensures that when concerns arise about a resident’s safety or wellbeing, officers and partner agencies work together to provide timely, respectful, and thorough welfare checks throughout the community.

Through C.A.R.E.S., community members, families, service providers, and neighboring departments are encouraged to share information when someone may be at risk, such as not being seen or heard from, missing important appointments, or showing signs of distress. Once a welfare check is requested, trained personnel respond to the location, assess the situation, confirm the individual’s safety, and, when appropriate, connect them with additional resources or follow-up support.

The C.A.R.E.S. initiative reflects Addison PD’s broader commitment to community policing by building trusting relationships and reinforcing that no one should feel alone in a moment of crisis or vulnerability. By coordinating with health, social service, and community partners, the program strengthens the safety net for seniors, vulnerable adults, and all residents who may need a check-in during difficult times.

On the department’s website, C.A.R.E.S. can be featured alongside existing community engagement programs as a primary way residents can ask for help when they are worried about a loved one or neighbor. Clear contact information, examples of when to request a welfare check, and reassurance about the department’s compassionate, privacy-aware approach help residents feel comfortable reaching out before a situation becomes an emergency.

When neighbors might use Addison C.A.R.E.S.

An elderly or medically fragile neighbor is suddenly not seen outside, not picking up mail, or not following their normal daily routine, and you cannot reach them by phone.
A usually responsive neighbor or friend in Addison stops answering calls, texts, or knocks on the door for an unusually long time, and this silence is out of character.

When families or caregivers might use C.A.R.E.S.

A family member living in Addison with health, mobility, or memory issues misses important appointments, can’t be reached, and no one nearby has seen them.
A caregiver or service provider is worried because a resident who normally answers the door or attends regular visits suddenly cancels or disappears from contact.

When there are clear signs of distress or danger

A resident in Addison has recently expressed thoughts of self-harm or severe hopelessness and then goes silent or fails to show up to normal activities.
You hear concerning sounds (cries for help, a fall, or ongoing distress) from a residence, then everything goes quiet and you cannot safely check on the person yourself.
In these instances, you should call 911 and not the non-emergency line.