Electronic tracking device set to launch in Belleville next week

By Rachel Bell 

BELLEVILLE – The Belleville police in partnership with the local Alzheimer’s Society is launching an electronic tracking program that will give police the ability to locate people prone to wandering.

“Project Lifesaver” will help those affected by illnesses such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Down’s Syndrome.

Those who register will wear a radio-wave-tracking device on their wrist, much like a watch. Police will then be able to track the signal, in an average of 30 minutes.

The project was developed in the United States a decade ago, and is currently active in six provinces. There have been over 1,600 successful search records recorded.

The Belleville Police Service has 10 officers trained to work with the tracking program, as well as two qualified instructors.

On Tuesday Dec. 12th at 3:30 p.m. local media are invited to the launch of the lifesaving project at the Belleville Police Service headquarters, where an overview and demonstration of the tracking system will take part.