ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Project Lifesaver is a LoJack SafetyNet tracking system used by law enforcement departments nationwide. The tracking system locates adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down syndrome and other related cognitive impairment diagnoses.

A PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Project Lifesaver operates in more than 1,000 jurisdictions across the nation. The program has reduced search times from hours or days to just minutes. The risks and costs of a typical search have also dropped significantly, with an average rescue time of less than 30 minutes.

HOW IT WORKS

Participants wear a personalized wristband, about the size of a watch, that emits a tracking signal on an assigned radio frequency. When caregivers notify police that the participant is missing, a team of specially-trained police officers and fire department personnel responds and uses a mobile locator tracking system to find the missing person.

The wristband is much more than a passive ID bracelet. It is a 1-ounce, battery-operated radio wrist transmitter emitting an automatic tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. The signal is tracked on the ground or in the air over several miles. Each wristband has a unique radio frequency. Project Lifesaver’s battery provides a continuous signal for 30-45 days.

It should be noted that client searches involve different variables, and incidents are unpredictable. There may be times or circumstances when an individual cannot be located due to device malfunction, reception impairment or any other technical or non-technical reasons. The Howard County Police Department makes no warranties, guarantees, assurances or promises of any kind as to the effectiveness or success of the Project Lifesaver tracking services or of any search or searches undertaken utilizing the Project Lifesaver equipment or other related equipment.

PEACE OF MIND

Project Lifesaver not only helps protect the health and well being of people who go missing. It gives their caregivers peace of mind. Howard County police keep a file with information on each participant’s conditions, medications and personal history, as well as a photograph.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

CARETAKER RESPONSIBILITIES

Caretakers must agree to:

Test the client’s radio transmitter battery daily

Check the condition of the bracelet daily

Maintain a monthly log sheet provided by the Project Lifesaver team

Attend a monthly battery change

Notify the Project Lifesaver team promptly if there is a problem with the equipment

Call 911 immediately if a Project Lifesaver client goes missing

COSTS

While supplies last, the starter kit is free for new participants and contains a transmitter, 12 wrist bands, 12 batteries, a mini tester and sealant (replacement cost: $300). After one year of free enrollment, participants pay $75 annually to receive 12 wrist bands and 12 batteries. Costs are subject to change.

Participants must:

Live in Howard County

Be medically diagnosed with a cognitive impairment or related diagnosis

Be willing to wear the wristband transmitter at all times

Have a history of wandering

Have a caregiver providing constant supervision

Not operate a motor vehicle

Be a resident of a private home/apartment/condominium

EQUIPMENT FAQs

How frequently should a transmitter battery be changed?

Batteries emit a signal each second and must be changed monthly. Battery changes are scheduled monthly at Howard County Police Department’s Northern District.

Is the transmitter waterproof?

Yes. Clients can shower and swim while wearing the transmitter.

Can a caretaker replace the battery in a client’s transmitter?

No. The battery must be replaced and tested by a member of the Project Lifesaver team.

What happens if something goes wrong with the equipment?

Call the Howard County Police Department immediately at 410-313-3738.

What happens if the transmitter is lost?

Call the Howard County Police Department immediately at 410-313-3738.