The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Project Lifesaver to continue this free program to the citizens of the City of Roanoke. Project Lifesaver is designed to track and rescue those with cognitive conditions who tend to wander. This service answers a critical need for protecting people at risk, including those with Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome and dementia.

 

We have 44 sworn personnel, including the Sheriff, and 1 civilian, certified Electronic Search Specialist. They are trained how to use the equipment, how to gain the trust of and communicate with people who wander, as well as to ensure that caregivers are well versed in the program; all of which are essential to a successful rescue.

 

Citizens enrolled in the service wear a small radio transmitter on the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized frequency signal, which can be tracked regardless of where the person has wandered – even in a wooded area, marsh, concreted building or a building constructed with steel. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver will notify the 911 call center who will then notify the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver coordinator and the trained deputies will respond to the wander’s area. The first responder will then use the client’s individualized frequency to locate the position of the individual. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver agencies average 30 minutes, which is 95% less time than standard operations without the program. To date, there have been 4420 successful searches for Project Lifesaver clients who have wandered.

 

This nationwide program encompasses all forms of public safety, including Sheriff’s Offices, Police, Fire and EMS. The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is pleased to continue this important resource in the community and assist caregivers and clients in being proactive when it comes to their loved one’s safety.