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Police implement program to find the lost
By Stephanie Flemmons, Staff writer
Plano police are supporting a new device that is expected to save the lives of children and the elderly suffering from mental disorders.
Police say the majority of people who are reported missing are children with autism and the elderly suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Lindy Privett, Plano police detective, said later this month, Plano 9-1-1 dispatch will partner with a company called EmFinders that will use a cell phone-based tracking system to locate individuals who are equipped with the bracelet invented by the company.
Privett said the EmFinders device is a small bracelet that takes two people to put on or take off. Individuals can purchase the device from EmFinders and if a loved one goes missing, the concerned party can call police to obtain a case number and then notify EmFinders, who will activate the device and send an image to 9-1-1 dispatchers showing exactly where the individual is located.
“The problem with the devices out there now is they rely on GPS tracking, which is not good,” Privett said. “If the missing person can’t see the sun, you can’t track them. This new system uses a cell phone-like system. It shows a green dot, where the individual is located.”
He said the device is equipped with some security measures. A warning will automatically be sent to EmFinders if an individual forgets to recharge the battery. He said EmFinders will send out a warning when the battery reaches less than 50 percent power.
Privett said Plano 9-1-1 dispatchers are practicing with the new system and are planning for the implementation to begin by the end of January.
“We’ve had focus groups come here and learn about the new device,” Privett said. “I could tell it gave the people a peace of mind knowing that if something happened their loved one would be found.”
Jim Nalley, EmFinders founder, said he created the idea one night watching TV. He said his background is communications and he was saddened to learn about a missing college girl that was not found.
“My wife looked at me and said, with your background, there still is not anything out there to track this girl,” Nalley said. “She said, what good is the work that you do.”
Nalley said the key was making the device small enough and cost effective, which could not have happened four years ago.
He said his ultimate goal is to expand nationwide, but the first launch will take place in Dallas and Collin County.
“The interest has been very good,” Nally said. “We’ve had to move faster because of the interest. Our market participants don’t notice the device on their wrist. It provides good security, protection and peace of mind.”
For information visit www.emfinders.com.
Contact Stephanie Flemmons at sflemmons@acnpapers.com
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