Project Lifesaver The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office has been a part of the Project Lifesaver Organization since 2002. This outreach program is an essential service provided to the public in order to alleviate the strain put on the caregivers of persons sufferring from Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism and other Related Mental Dysfunction Disorders. Our Project Lifesaver program currently serves 41 clients. A good portion of those clients suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. In many cases, the missing clients are often unaware of their surroundings and are unable to respond to others who call out for them. This program is designed to reduce the search time to mere minutes and return them safely to their caregivers. Project Lifesaver strongly supports and encourages a valuable relationship between officer, client and caregiver. Our agency currently has officers certified by the National Project Lifesaver Organization. The PLS officers are trained and certified to operate the specialized tracking equipment used in searches. Each client wears a wristband that emits a tracking signal every second. Each wristband is personalized with its own specific radio frequency used to track the missing client from the area last seen. Our officers are trained in developing methods of communication and establishing a rapport with the clients and caregivers prior to a critical emergency of a search and rescue. Our process begins with a telephone screening of the responsible caregiver regarding the potential client. Criteria used to determine client eligibility for the program:
- Client must be accompanied by a caregiver 24/7
- Client must not operate a vehicle
- Client cannot live alone
- Client has a history of wandering
If determined eligible, an officer will follow-up with an in-home assessment and once determined, the client will be fitted with a personal wrist band to be purchased by caregiver. To apply for this service please fill and submit the Request for Service Form For further information contact June Farrington at 732-557-4427 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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