“Since the beginning, my administration has invested heavily in our first responders, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and support to keep our community safe,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “MEPSAR and R.E.V.A.M.P Duval are innovative programs that provide first responders and law enforcement with information to safely and quickly return vulnerable members of our community to their homes.”

MEPSAR is a systematic, data-collecting, organized approach to searching for endangered individuals. This collaborative program between JFRD and JSO is the first of its kind in the entire United States

Every second counts when a person has been reported missing or has placed an emergency call. Individuals struggling with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other special needs can be more difficult to locate once missing. 

“During a search and rescue effort, having access to vital information, such as photos, frequently visited locations, critical medical conditions, and communication needs, allows first responders to better assist the missing individual. The knowledge our departments have and continue to share with other organizations is lifesaving” said Sheriff T. K. Waters.

Out of the 103 missing persons who met the requirements for the use of MEPSAR during law enforcement’s attempts to locate them, over 75% of them were found within the search radius provided by the data collected in MEPSAR.

In addition to MEPSAR, city leaders announced a new voluntary registry: the Registry for Endangered, Vulnerable, and Missing Persons within Duval County (R.E.V.A.M.P. Duval)

R.E.V.A.M.P Duval is a secure registry allowing caregivers to register those in their care with cognitive, memory impairment, or sensory disabilities, and who may be prone to wandering off.

The information contained in the registry is restricted for emergency responder access only. It is limited to a “need-to-know” basis for official search and rescue operations.

Both R.E.V.A.M.P Duval and MEPSAR work hand in hand to try to inform first responders and officers about the condition and specific needs of a patient prior to arrival, as well as provide extremely valuable information regarding a missing person.

“I am incredibly proud of our teams from Jacksonville for once again becoming the standard bearer for care,” said Fire Chief Keith Powers. “The MEPSAR and R.E.V.A.M.P. systems are on their way to becoming standard practice throughout our state and word is traveling quickly throughout the country.”

If you care for someone or have a loved one who may benefit from being registered in R.E.V.A.M.P. Duval, visit JaxReady.com/REVAMP or call 904-255-3172 for more information.