1–877–434–6384
Agencies Log In Here

Middlesex Sheriff Koutoujian, Cambridge Police Commissioner Haas Announce SafetyNet Partnership

Press Release 10/10/2012

 

Middlesex Sheriff Koutoujian, Cambridge Police Commissioner Haas Announce SafetyNet Partnership

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas announced Tuesday, October 9, their agencies have partnered with a local Massachusetts company to bring new technology to the area designed to help rescue people with cognitive conditions who are prone to wandering.

The SafetyNet Tracking service provides public safety agencies with the tools and training to more effectively find and rescue individuals who could or are prone to wandering and becoming lost. It also helps caregivers provide an added layer of protection for loved ones with cognitive conditions from the life-threatening behavior of wandering.

"This is a win, win, win," said Sheriff Koutoujian. "It’s a win for individuals because it increases the likelihood that missing persons with cognitive conditions will be found safe and sound. It’s a win for caregivers because it provides piece of mind that there’s a safety net out there for their loved ones. And it’s a win for taxpayers because it cuts down on the high cost of extended searches that require additional manpower."

Nationwide, more than 5.1 million people are estimated to have Alzheimer’s. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and just this week a new study on Autism and wandering was released showing 49 percent of respondents had a child, age four or over, with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) attempt to run away at least once and 26 percent were gone long enough to cause concern for a caregiver.

"We’re proud to partner with the Sheriff’s Office to offer SafetyNet to our community," said Commissioner Haas. "We hope that this service will increase the safety of our most vulnerable residents while also providing peace of mind to their caregivers."

Twenty members of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office have been trained Tracking to operate search and rescue receivers that detect the radio frequencies emitted by a SafetyNet Bracelet worn by those enrolled in the service. The receivers and the training were provided to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office at no cost to taxpayers.

The SafetyNet service supplements traditional search and rescue procedures.

"This allows us to provide a 21st century solution to a 21st century public health issue," said Sheriff Koutoujian.

For more information about the SafetyNet service, please call (877) 4-FIND-THEM (877-434-6384) or visit http://safetynetbySafetyNet.com/. A 30-day no obligation trial is available for interested caregivers.