Florida Police Considering GPS Tracking for Special Needs Children
9 Dec 2014The police department in Florida is currently considering using GPS tracking technology to help find local special needs children.
Most people in the United States are familiar with modern technology, including global positioning systems (GPS). This technology has helped monitor the behavior of wild animals, catch thieves who stole from businesses and residences, and help track down people with Alzheimer’s disease who have wandered off. The latter is the type of benefit local Florida law enforcement is interested in.
Police Chief Buddy Williams is interested in using GPS technology to help track children with special needs, who might be at risk for wandering off. He first got the idea after the tragic death of a local 9-year-old boy. Leo Walker had autism, and wandered away from his home at night just a few weeks prior. By the time the police found him, he was lying dead in a pond not far from the family’s home.
Not only did it affect Chief Williams because he was part of the massive search to look for the boy in his community, but because he is also the father of a daughter with special needs. He understands the toll it can take on a parent when their child is at risk of wandering off and the risks it poses to their life.
“Why can’t we have a safe and simple solution to GPS locate children with special needs?”, said Live Oak Police Chief Buddy Williams.
This type of tragedy has happened many times all over the country, simply because the child or adult could not be located in time. Chief Williams and the rest of the police department hope that they can implement a tracking program where the children with special needs wear a GPS tracking device, and their parents can monitor their location. If the child wanders off, they would be able to alert police and let them know their location.
Chief Williams told reporters about the many safety measures he has taken in his own home, including locking the pantry and refrigerator, having backwards door knobs, and an advanced alarm system. However, these types of tragedies can still happen, no matter how careful a parent is.
A meeting was held to discuss implementing a GPS tracking program of children and adults with special needs. Beth Hagan, a parent of a child with cerebral palsy, attended the meeting and was interested in the GPS tracking program. She believes other parents understand how easy it is for their children to get out of the home and start walking any direction, often much faster than someone can track them down.
Nathalie Slane, whose grandson has autism, already has a tracking device on him through Project Lifesaver. The tracking device is located in his watch, making it comfortable for him to wear. She was interested in giving insight into how helpful this type of technology is.
The project is currently in its beginning stages, while Williams is looking for funding and the right type of GPS tracking devices for this purpose. State Rep. Elizabeth Porter is also working with the police department to find funding for the tracking program.
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