Partnerships between search and rescue companies and various law enforcement agencies can help locate loved ones known for wandering.
Pasco County Sheriff's Office uses a program, SafetyNet Tracking, to help locate missing juveniles and adults with cognitive disorders.
The technology allows a person to wear a device about the size of a watch that has a unique frequency code in case a person goes missing.
If a person goes missing, a caregiver would call law enforcement agencies and a trained search team would be sent to locate them.
The SafetyNet tool can track a person within a one mile radius on the ground and five miles from the air.
The Sheriff's Office has been trying to expand the program, even posting on their website about the program:
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office now provides services from SafetyNet by LoJack to assist in search and rescue operations for subjects who have been diagnosed with a cognitive disorder; including Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Autism, and Down syndrome. SafetyNet provides a tracking device to each enrolled member as well as all materials to maintain the device directly to the caregiver or family of the enrolled member. Each device has a 6 month battery life and is completely waterproof.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Tampa Police Department also use the same technology for locating lost individuals.
Manatee and Pinellas counties use a similar program through Project Life Saver.
However, officials with Pinellas County tell us they are transitioning to SafetyNet.
Their is a monthly cost with the services, but Pasco County officials say they may be able to help find funding available.
You can learn more through the county's Community Services Specialist at 727- 815-7119.
Police Departments can also help by offering tracking services to kids with Autism for free through the federal government.
Departments are encouraged to apply for grants through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.
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