A new program, Project Lifesaver, has been implemented by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to provide enhanced support and assistance to Morris County residents who are primary caregivers for an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia disorder as well as families of children afflicted with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries or cognitive impairments.
These individuals might be prone to wander away from home and become confused or lost. Project Lifesaver allows for a proactive response by law enforcement if this happens. This not only saves time and manpower but also, gives caregivers and families peace of mind and reassurance that all possible resources will be utilized in the effort to locate and return their loved one home safely.
Participants in the Project Lifesaver program wear a special wrist or ankle bracelet equipped with a small transmitter which emits a signal that law enforcement can track when someone goes missing. Search times have been reduced from days and hours, to minutes. Average recovery times are well under 30 minutes.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office serves as the lead agency for Project Lifesaver and in this role, it coordinates the overall operations and management of the program to ensure effective services. Other area agencies provide collaborative support, funding and programmatic assistance in the areas of participant referrals and application review.
For more information including enrollment criteria and application process, contact Patrolman Christel at Harding Police Department or visit: http://sheriff.morriscountynj.gov/community/project_lifesaver/