What Is Project Lifesaver?
Project Lifesaver is a national proactive, electronic tracking, program used to assist in locating people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders or children with Down's Syndrome or Autism Spectrum Disorder that wander from home and become lost.
A lost child with Autism or Downs Syndrome or an adult wandering from dementia constitutes a critical emergency and present challenges to police in searching and rescue operations. While we cannot predict when a person will become lost, we can prepare.
The Virginia Beach Police Department in partnership with Project Lifesaver has launched a planned response to all missing persons at-risk and others with special needs that wander off. We have teams of trained officers and special tracking equipment to help locate missing persons who are enrolled in Project Lifesaver. Our department is the first major city police department in the country to take on this effort.
How Does It Work?
The Project Lifesaver uses a personalized transmitter, powered by a small battery, that emits a constant radio signal 24-hours a day. Once the police are called that a person is missing, officers identify that signal from a specialized directional antenna and are able to track the wandering person. This equipment is used on foot, in cars and also by air providing maximum cover and capability for search efforts for several miles using the tracking equipment. This is a very successful program. Nationwide, Project Lifesaver has responded to over 2,000 rescues and all were 100% successful with a recovery time less than 30 minutes.
What Does It Cost?
For $9.00 a month the client will be outfitted with the transmitter, battery tester and a one-year supply of batteries and service. After the first year, the cost will only be batteries to the clients. Financial aid is available for individuals in need as well. 501c-3 Our financial statement is available upon written request from the office of consumer affairs.
If you would like to sponsor an individual for one year, your sponsorship will ensure that a client receives the equipment.
Who To Contact:
VBPD Project Lifesaver coordinator: MPO Allen Perry with the Crime Prevention Unit, (757) 385-2742 (Crime Prevention Unit Mailing Address: 2509 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456)
The National Project Lifesaver's website is http://www.projectlifesaver.org/
For More Information About:
Alzheimer's Disease contact: Southeast Alzheimer's Association, office: (757) 459-2405
Autism Disorders contact: Autism Society of America, Tidewater Chapter: (757) 461-4474