LoJack for missing people coming to RI

COVENTRY, R.I. (WPRI) - Coventry is the latest community to begin using LoJack technology to track down missing people.

On Tuesday, the Coventry Fire Department demonstrated the new LoJack SafetyNet system.

"If you think about the LoJack system on automobiles that are stolen, this is the same type of concept," explains Fire Chief Robert Seltzer.  "But this is for at risk populations, people who may wander off, get lost."

Designed for people with Alzhheimer's Disease, autism, or other cognitive disorders, the SafetyNet system comes with a transmitter that the patient wears on their wrist.  If the person goes missing, the fire department can usually locate them within a matter of minutes.

"This is a quick way to find somebody and it's going to save a lot of time and a lot of lives," says Chief Seltzer.

There are a few drawbacks:  transmitters have only a one- to two-mile range, and each transmitter costs about $300.

The Coventry Fire Department says it is looking into obtaining grants to help lower the cost for residents.