FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 18, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sgt. Fernando Bosch
(305) 668-2488
Fbosch@southmiamipdfl.gov
City of South Miami Police Department Launches Project Lifesaver; Welcomes First Registrant
South Miami, FL – The City of South Miami Police Department is proud to announce the successful registration of the first participant in its newly launched Project Lifesaver program. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to assist individuals with cognitive disabilities such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Autism, who are prone to wandering.
Project Lifesaver offers a critical service to caregivers and families within our community, providing peace of mind and a proactive approach to ensure the safety of those who might wander. The program is open to individuals of all ages who have a diagnosed cognitive condition that causes them to roam.
Our first participant, who is 83 years old, and has lived in South Miami for 24 years, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia six months ago. Her condition has recently worsened, causing her to leave her residence several times, ending up lost by the main roadway or near the canal bank. Recognizing the increasing risk to her safety, her caregiver reached out to the South Miami Police Department seeking assistance.
Upon receiving the call, Det. Jaqueline Del Sol who is one of our program coordinators, promptly responded and conducted an in-depth assessment to determine the suitability of the program for the participant. A comprehensive profile was created, detailing important information such as her height, weight, skin color, eye color, hair color, and personal details like her favorite clothing colors, personal belongings, and her children’s names and hobbies. This profile is crucial for officers to have information readily available in the event she goes missing again.
As part of the program, the participant was fitted with a small, personalized bracelet equipped with a unique frequency number. The bracelet can be worn on the wrist or ankle, depending on the wearer’s preference, and is available
in various colors including pink, red, blue, green, yellow, and purple to ensure comfort and compliance. The caregiver received a kit containing a battery tester, extra batteries, and bands, along with instructions on how to maintain the equipment.
To ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the program, a 30-day re-evaluation will be conducted, during which our officers will meet with the participant and caregiver to discuss any changes in behavior or additional needs.
The City of South Miami Police Department is proud to be the only agency in Miami- Dade County currently offering Project Lifesaver. This initiative underscores our commitment to community safety and our dedication to providing innovative solutions to protect our most vulnerable residents.
For more information about Project Lifesaver, or to find out how to enroll a loved one, please contact the South Miami Police Department at 305-663-6301 or visit our website at https://www.southmiamifl.gov/184/Police-Department.