'Care Trak' Program Helps OKC Police Quickly Locate Missing Persons

The Oklahoma City Police Department, in partnership with Sunbeam Family Services, announced the rollout of a new program designed to help quickly locate missing persons who suffer from cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's, Dementia and Autism.

The “Care Trak" system works by outfitting the client with a bracelet, which they do not remove, that constantly emits a radio frequency, according to police. If the client should wander away and become lost, a police officer equipped with a radio receiver will be dispatched to the area. 

The radio receiver is designed to pick up transmissions sent by the bracelet, which aids officers in finding the missing person.

In order to participate in this program, a client must be a resident of Oklahoma City, and must have a documented cognitive impairment which was diagnosed by a physician. There is a fee associated with enrollment in this program, however it is based on the person's ability to pay. 

According to police, community members have made generous donations to ensure everyone who qualifies for the program has access, regardless of their ability to pay. After initial enrollment, there is a reduced annual fee.

The units will be unveiled at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Police Headquarters.