Care Trak locator system

Cpl. Chuck McMichael of Greenfield Police Department

Corporal Chuck McMichael of the Greenfield Police Department told Kiwanis about the Care Trak technology for children with Autism or Asperger’s and older people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.  A transmitter is worn on the wrist or ankle and looks similar to a watch.  It continuously transmits a locator signal that police can track using a receiver tuned to a frequency specific to that person.  When a client is approved for the program their identification information and the frequency of their transmitter are recorded at the Police Department.  If the person is missing the police can use the receiver and an antenna to find the missing person in minutes. 

Eligibility for the program is limited to those persons that have medical diagnosis of one of the disorders and history of trying to walk away from home.   Currently the Greenfield Police have 4 active clients.  The equipment they own could handle up to 8 clients total.  The initial startup costs for the system was $5,000.  The initial per client cost is about $300 plus $50 to $60 per year for maintenance including batteries.  All cost are covered by private donation.

The police train using the equipment on a regular basis and usually are able to locate the transmitter in 30 minutes or less. 

Cpt. McMichael also responded to a question regarding Knock Boxes.  The boxes contain house keys which are accessible by public safety personnel to gain entry to a home in case of an emergency.

For more information about the Care Trak system call the Greenfield Police Department at 477-4410.  For information on the Knock Boxes call the GreefieldFire Department at 477-4430