Full Notification

Newton Families to Benefit from SafetyNet by LoJack Service Thanks to Newton Police Memorial Association and Newton Fire Fighters Association

NEWTON, MA – May 9, 2013 – The Newton Police and Fire Departments have launched a new service to help people with cognitive conditions who are prone to wandering, including those with autism, Alzheimer's and dementia. Two Newton residents will be equipped with SafetyNet by LoJack bracelets thanks to the generous sponsorship from local organizations, including the Newton Police Memorial Association and the Newton Fire Fighters Association.

The SafetyNet service provides Newton Police and Fire Departments 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.

Eighteen officers from the Newton Police Department and two firefighters from the Newton Fire Department have been trained and certified on the SafetyNet service, as well as equipped with search and rescue equipment. The service will be used to supplement traditional search and rescue operations.

“With these specially-designed bracelets, local authorities are able to conduct much more efficient search and rescue missions,” said Dennis Dowling, the Captain of the Newton Police Department. “Previously, to find a missing person we potentially had to activate a massive operation that involved a regional search team of up to 15-18 officers, as well as other resources such as community volunteers, helicopters and canine units. With the SafetyNet bracelets, we’re now able to rely on a proven technology that will undoubtedly save our community time, money and a whole lot of worry.”
“It’s another tool that will enable us to help keep the citizens of Newton safe,” said Lt Jay Bourgeois of the Newton Fire department. “If I had a loved one who suffered from a cognitive condition and was prone to wandering off, I would definitely want them to have a SafetyNet Bracelet on.”
The SafetyNet Search and Rescue Receivers, certified training and ongoing support were provided at no cost to the Newton Police and Fire Department or taxpayers.

How the SafetyNet Service Works
Once a caregiver enrolls their loved one in the service, they receive a SafetyNet Bracelet, which is worn by the person at risk typically on their wrist or ankle. The caregiver provides information about the client to assist in search and rescue, which is then entered into a secure database. Representatives from LoJack SafetyNet provide 24x7 emergency caregiver support.

The SafetyNet Bracelet constantly emits a Radio Frequency signal. Radio Frequency is the technology of choice because, unlike cellular and GPS technology, its signal doesn’t rely on cellular networks or satellite signals and can often be tracked when a client wanders into a shallow body of water, a densely wooded area, a concrete structure such as a garage, or a building constructed with steel.

The Search and Rescue Receivers used by law enforcement agencies can detect the Radio Frequency signal emitted from a SafetyNet Bracelet typically within a range of approximately one mile in on-the-ground searches and 5-7 miles in searches by helicopter.

The SafetyNet certified training for law enforcement agencies focuses on its specialized electronic equipment, technology, procedures and on how to effectively communicate with and approach individuals who have cognitive conditions. SafetyNet’s secure database contains information on each individual client enrolled in the service so that the search and rescue team can have information on the individual’s personal habits and how he or she should be approached, spoken to and comforted.

More Information
For more information about the SafetyNet service, please call (877) 4-FINDTHEM (877-434-6384) or visit https://www.safetynetbylojack.com.