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  • Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver is the pioneer organization in the radio tracking and locating of at-risk individuals. It developed all the techniques and methods being copied by other groups. It was founded and is still led by first responder law enforcement personnel with years of experience in search and rescue and law enforcement.

Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C)(3) community based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, and caregivers with a program designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering, such as those with Alzheimer's or autism. The necessity of this program was determined through the correlation between cognitive conditions and the act of wandering.

With the dramatic increase in cognitive conditions since the inception of the organization, the program has grown from a localized program to a program recognized internationally as a proven and effective method of "bringing loved ones home."

Enrollment Information Make a Donation
Project Lifesaver in Northeastern North Carolina

Mission Statement

The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition.

The Roanoke Rapids Police Department is a value-driven organization committed to public safety, public service, and public trust. Project Lifesaver is a program with a purpose that upholds

Project Lifesaver is an innovative rapid response program aiding victim's and families suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and related disorder such as Down syndrome and autism.

How Does It Work?

The method relies on proven radio technology and specially trained search and rescue teams. Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver are outfitted with a radio frequency transmitter to be worn on the wrist or ankle at all times. Each transmitter emits an individualized frequency signal that is unique to the client.

If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver will notify the certified Project Lifesaver Member Agency, and a trained emergency team will respond to the wanderer's area with specialized receivers that will help triangulate the direction of the signal and help locate the client.

The search times for certified Project Lifesaver agencies have been reduced from hours, potentially day, down to minutes. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver agencies average 30 minutes, which is 95% less time than standard operations without Project Lifesaver.

Who is eligible?

These transmitters will be provided for a nominal fee to a person who meets one or more of the following criteria:

  • Resides in the City of Roanoke Rapids
  • Resides in the County of Halifax
  • Resides anywhere along the two lakes
  • Has wandered away or is at risk of wandering
  • Has a diagnoses of a cognitive issue
  • Does not drive a motor vehicle
  • Does not take public transportation without supervision
  • Needs constant supervision and monitoring by a responsible adult who can prevent wandering and can contact us in the event the individual is missing.

Enrollment Information Make a Donation
Who is eligible?

Project Lifesaver News

Missing and Wandering Children with Autism and Down Syndrome

Missing and Wandering Children with Autism and Down Syndrome: The Project Lifesaver Partnership Meets the Challenge

In Washington State, a County Sheriff's Office received a call about a missing 11-year-old autistic boy. He did not board his camp bus and ran from the driver and teacher across the school grounds. The school is situated in a rural area with heavily wooded surroundings and a major state highway nearby.

Read More

Project Lifesaver Enrollment

To enroll a loved one contact:

Project Lifesaver
Roanoke Rapids Police Department
1040 Roanoke Ave.
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870

Coordinator
Sgt. Joey Spragins
252-533-2810