The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office is proud to participate in Project Lifesaver International, which helps provide rapid response to save lives and reduce the potential for serious injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome, dementia and other related disorders. 

Participants in the program are fitted with a one-ounce, battery-operated radio wrist transmitter that emits a silent tracking signal every second, 24-hours-a-day. The signal can be tracked on the ground or in the air from several miles. Each wristband has a unique frequency, so the BCSO’s Project Lifesaver team can positively locate and identify a person who has wandered away from home using a specially designed radio receiver. 

If a participant wanders off, the caregiver would first contact his or her local police, who would then initiate a search while contacting the Sheriff’s Office. A team of specially trained officers from the Sheriff’s Office would respond and search, utilizing the electronic tracking equipment.

Participation Criteria

• Participants must be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome, dementia or a related disorder.
• Participants must live in Bergen County in a private residence with a 24-hour, live-in caregiver.
• There is a one-time equipment fee of $300 for the wrist transmitter, band, battery, clips and battery tester. Income-eligible participants may qualify for a waiver of the initial equipment fee.  
• A monthly maintenance fee of $13 covers the cost of the bracelet and battery.  
• The wrist transmitter remains the property of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. Once the individual is no longer utilizing the unit, it is returned and reassigned to another participant in the program.  
• An officer from the Sheriff’s Office will schedule an appointment to attach the wristband unit and train a caregiver in how the equipment works.

Event Type	Advocacy Family Support Community Conversation Educational Workshop
Age Groups	Adults Seniors
Community Services	Community Community Education Family & Support Services Caregiving Case Management Family Support Parenting & Caregiving
Health Services	Behavioral / Mental Health Family Conflict & Distress Mental Health Crisis / Safety Crisis / Safety / Prevention Emergency Preparedness Medical Health / Wellness / Nutrition

Last Updated: 04/04/23