Florida’s Protect Our Loved Ones Act – a database program for those with Disabilities – There are times when loved ones face uncertain circumstances but remember not all hope is lost.

Many of us have taken notice of the Silver Alert which is similar to the Amber Alert.

What is the difference between the two alerts?

The Amber Alert is designated for missing children and the Silver Alert is designated for the elderly. The alerts are quickly posted on digital billboards attached to overpasses and sent out via text messages etc. because it is crucial to find a missing person with a speedy process. Many of the elderly individuals who are being searched for through the Silver Alert have disabilities such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, or other conditions that cognitively impaired them from understanding where they are or making knowledgeable decisions. This can cause a panicked confusion for the missing individual and fear can make the situation worse for them.

When a loved one goes missing it is one of the most horrible emotional experiences to endure. Thankfully, Florida law enforcement now has permission to create a new database that will help enhance the search for missing elderly and others who have disabilities. The Protect Our Loved Ones Act went into effect as of January this year allowing each law enforcement agency to access and utilize a unique database that will custom fit their needs. The database also known as a registry will be a game-changer for law enforcement officers and how they respond to cases. Having the knowledge of an individual’s disability before arriving to call for help can drastically improve how an officer will handle the situation. The new opportunity provides a hope for more positive outcomes that can help improve the experience in helping individuals with disabilities.

Technological advancement keeps growing for the better in the state of Florida. SafetyNet is a program used by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office that uses GPS bracelets to help locate individuals with cognitive medical conditions who are registered in their database. Pinellas County has a registry program called Respond With Care designed to help identify individuals with special needs. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office registry program is named Project Lifesaver which is also a GPS bracelet tracking program.

Sometimes all it takes is one small detail that can make a huge difference when searching for where someone could possibly be. For example, perhaps it is suspected that the individual in question has absentmindedly wandered off and likes animals. A search can be narrowed down to locations with animals such as farms or a zoo. The reasoning behind this search technique is because it is natural human instinct for a person who is lost or confused to look for things that are familiar and places that make them feel safe.

Training is a big part of working in law enforcement. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is aiming to work with the Department of Elder Affairs for training and development of an education that will contribute to the learning of how to interact with individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, and similar cognitively impaired conditions.

Patricia Smith - Gadsden County News Service

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Florida’s Protect Our Loved Ones Act – a database program for those with Disabilities – There are times when loved ones face uncertain circumstances but remember not all hope is lost.

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Guest Column – Quincy’s acting chief honored during Black History Month

Court rejects ‘Stop WOKE’ restrictions

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