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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 4A STAFF ORIGINATOR: JohnSwenson, Chief of Police MEETING DATE: October 14, 2013 TOPIC: Consideration of Acceptance of Project Lifesaver Grant VOTE REQUIRED:3/5 INTRODUCTION With recent events in neighboring communitiesandthe increase for the potential of search operations for missing and vulnerable individuals,police department staff researched, applied for, andwas awardeda grant to assistwith the search for thevulnerable segmentsof our population. BACKGROUND: Staff researched and applied for a grant through Project Lifesaver. If the grant is accepted, the police department will receive equipment and training from Project Lifesaver. Once department personnel are trained residences of Lino Lakes will be able to purchase a transmitter through the police department. The transmitter is worn by individuals identified to have tendency to wander off and do not or may not have the cognitive ability to find their way home. The transmitter worn by at risk persons would enable police department staff to quickly track and locate lost individuals. Project Lifesaver is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization that bridges the technological gap for “at risk” populationsand public safety agencies. Project Lifesaverprovide police, fire/rescueand other first responders with a comprehensive program including equipment and training to quickly locate and rescue “at risk” individuals with cognitive disorders who are at constant risk to the life threatening behavior of wandering including those with Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, and Down Syndrome. Project Lifesaver has 1,200 participating agencies throughout 46 states in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and has performed 2,740 searches over the last 14 years with no serious injuries or fatalities. Project Lifesaver provides equipment, training, certification and support to law enforcement, public safety organizations and community groups. There will be no cost to the City for the required equipment or for the training costs associated with materials or instructors. By accepting this grant the City agrees totrainseven police department personnel as basic operators and up to six personnel as instructors. The personnel cost of sending staffto the training would be the responsibility of the City. Staff will make every effort to limit these personnelcost for the City by utilizing on-duty staff as well as scheduling shifts.