Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible for the program?
2. How do I apply?
3. What happens after this application process?
4. What would disqualify my loved one from the program?
5. How much does it cost?
6. How does the program work?
7. Has anyone not been found?
8. What do I, as their caregiver, have to do?
9. What will the police department do?
10. Is there a guarantee that the person wearing the transmitter will be located?
11. Does Project Lifesaver replace other means of keeping loved ones that wander safe?
12. What else does the Project Lifesaver Program do for the community?
13. Can I donate any money to help improve the Project Lifesaver Program?

1.  Who is eligible for the program? 

Any person who has been diagnosed with a disorder (i.e. Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, etc) that forces them to wander and medication cannot control their wandering could be considered a potential candidate for the program. 

  2.  How do I apply? 

To apply for the program simply complete the Project Lifesaver Potential Client Intake Form or call (301) 926-7797 and an officer will complete one with you over the phone.  Once completed, your information will be reviewed by our department and an officer will contact you for a follow-up.  Provided your loved one qualifies, a Project Lifesaver Questionnaire will be sent to you for completion.  Once this is returned and the Captain of the Community Services Division approves the application, an officer will contact you for a face-to-face meeting.* 

  3.  What happens after this application process?

After being approved as an applicant, a Project Lifesaver coordinator will meet with you and your loved one for a face-to-face meeting.   The coordinator will show you the equipment and how it works.  During this meeting you will sign a contract acknowledging your acceptance of and participation in the program.**  Your loved one will then be fitted for a transmitter and, on that day, be entered into the program and into the database.  

  4.  What would disqualify my loved one from the program?

If your loved one has unrestricted access to the outside and is able to come and go as s/he pleases, or if your loved one still drives a vehicle, then s/he would not qualify for the program.  Project Lifesaver only works if the caregiver will contact 911 immediately upon learning their loved one has wandered.  The more time that goes by the less effective Project Lifesaver will be.

  5.  How much does it cost?

The Project Lifesaver Program is completely funded 100% by the Montgomery County Police Department.  We do not ask for any money from the client or caregiver.***

  6.  How does the program work?

Once your loved one is entered into the program, s/he will wear a tracking bracelet on their wrist or ankle 24-hours a day.  This bracelet emits a signal every second, so if the individual wanders, police officers with specialized equipment can track the individual to his/her location.  Your loved one’s information will be disseminated to every police station so no matter where your loved one may go, an officer can get his/her information and photo.   

The program works because the equipment receives a signal from your loved one’s unique transmitter.  This equipment locks onto the signal and provides officers with a direction. Using triangulation and advanced search and rescue techniques an average person can be located in less than 30 minutes with limited resources and manpower. 

  7.  Has anyone not been found? 

Nationally, there have been over 1500 searches with a average search time of 22 minutes and 100% of the clients have been found alive. 

  8.  What are the caregivers' responsibilities?

As the caregiver for someone who wanders or elopes, we know you are already under a lot of stress.  Therefore, we do not ask too much of you.  All we ask are three things: 

      1.  That you will check the battery of the transmitter once a day. 
           This is as simple as holding up a battery tester to the bracelet and observing
           that a light turns on. 

      2.  That you will contact the Project Lifesaver Coordinator if the battery is not
           working or any other technical problems exist.

      3.  That you will contact 911 immediately if your loved one wanders.

  9.  What are the responsibilities of the police department in relation to Project Lifesaver?

The Montgomery County Police Department will endeavor to do three things:

      1.  Change the battery once a month by going out to your loved one’s school
           or home address.

      2.  Troubleshoot and repair/replace any defective equipment.

      3.  Search for your loved one if you call that they are missing.

10.  Is there a guarantee that the person wearing the transmitter will be located? 

Project Lifesaver agencies have achieved an extremely successful recovery rate; there is no one who can give such a guarantee.  It doesn't make any difference what technology or procedures are used.  Each search for a missing person involves different variables; after all, we are dealing with a person, which in itself makes these incidents unpredictable. However, we do feel strongly that Project Lifesaver has the best equipment and procedures to increase the likelihood of bringing your loved ones home. 

11.  Does Project Lifesaver replace other means of keeping loved ones who wander safe? 

No.  Project Lifesaver should be seen as a last resort.  Project Lifesaver should be considered after other attempts of keeping your loved ones safe (i.e. fences, audible door alarms, etc).  Remember, Project Lifesaver is only another tool to help keep your loved one safe. 

12.  What else does the Project Lifesaver Program do for the community? 

Often caregivers are already overtaxed with worry about their loved ones.  They also do not have a lot of money to care for them.  The Project Lifesaver Program will assist its caregivers in applying for grants.  They will also work with local agencies to help assist in additional ways to keep their loves ones safe. 

13.  Can I donate any money to help improve the Project Lifesaver Program? 

Donations are appreciated and accepted.  Project Lifesaver is a not-for-profit program holding a 501(c)(3) status.  Any donations are completely tax deductible.  Anyone interested in donating can contact the Project Lifesaver office at (301) 926-7797 or email us at project.lifesaver@montgomerycountymd.gov

* Due to issues with Alzheimer’s and Autism, some individuals will not accept wearing a bracelet.  Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to test that your loved one will wear a bracelet.  A “tester” bracelet may be used for one month to determine if your loved one will keep it on. 

** This contract only states that the Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) will search for your loved one if they are missing, and maintain their participation in the program.  There is no guarantee for their safety and as their caregiver; you should take reasonable measures to ensure their safety.   

***There is no charge for the program or equipment.  The transmitter and equipment are the sole property of the MCPD.  If the transmitter is lost and the caregiver does not contact MCPD in a reasonable amount of time, and it cannot be recovered, you may be charged to replace the transmitter.  If at any time your loved one no longer participates in the program, all equipment must be returned to MCPD.