Washington County, Tenn. Sheriff’s Office launches Project Lifesaver for those at risk of wandering off

JONEBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) – Project Lifesaver is a GPS-monitored tracking device used by people who are at risk of wandering off or becoming lost. Officers with the Washington County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) are currently being trained to use these devices.

“It’s a device that helps track autism or Alzheimer patients that wander,” said WCSO Captain Shawn Judy.

Project Lifesaver allows families who have concerns of a loved one becoming missing to enroll into the program and receive a tracking wristband.

“It’s got a locking device on it and it’s not easy for them to take off,” said Captain Judy.

On top of the tracking device, officers have been trained how to use heat tracking with drones and get a fresh scent of the missing person to track down with K-9 officers.

“When we utilize Project Lifesaver, that transmitter is going to be attached to the person when we find the person,” said Sergeant Mike Adams. “We became certified as electronic search specialists in order to operate the equipment effectively.”

Sergeant Adams told News Channel 11 that with Project Lifesaver, officers should be able to locate a missing person wearing the tracking bracelet in about 30 minutes, cutting the search time down significantly.

“We have specific technology in circuits where we can take a known [scent] sample from the client and store that in the event they go missing,” said Sergeant Adams. “We can utilize that known scent as well as Project Lifesaver.”

Project Lifesaver is active now for anyone interested in enrolling a family member in Washington County. To enroll in the program, call the WCSO.

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