The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), in partnership with the city’s JaxReady Revamp program, has a commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals with its CareTrack initiative.
This program is designed to help locate individuals at risk of wandering due to cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Autism, or other developmental disabilities. The CareTrack system uses GPS technology to track and quickly locate individuals if they go missing, offering peace of mind to families and caregivers.
CareTrack, Jacksonville provides a range of valuable resources to further support families at no cost to individuals. One such resource is the Scent Presentation Kit, which is designed for persons who may be at risk of going missing. The kit includes a special scent collection item that can be used by search-and rescue teams in the event of a missing person situation.
This scent sample allows tracking dogs to more effectively locate the individual, providing an additional layer of safety when time is of the essence.
The initiative includes the First Responder Awareness Sticker. The sticker, which can be placed on the home’s door or window, alerts first responders that there is a vulnerable individual inside who may be at risk of wandering. The sticker serves as an important tool for emergency personnel, helping them identify that they may need to take extra care when responding to a situation at that address. This proactive approach ensures that first responders are better prepared and can provide faster, more effective assistance in emergencies.
To register for the CareTrack program and access these resources, caregivers or family members must visit the JaxReady website or contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office directly. The process involves filling out an enrollment form with important details about the individual, such as medical history, care needs, and emergency contact information. Once enrolled, participants will receive the GPS tracking wristband, as well as access to the Scent Presentation Kit and the First Responder Awareness Sticker.
These tools reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to safety and preparedness,providing families with critical resources to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. By offering these solutions, Jacksonville helps safeguard those who need it most, fostering a sense of security within the community.
For more information on these resources contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Missing Persons Unit at 904.255.2712 or JSOMentalHealthRegistry@ JaxSheriff.org.
