The North Miami Police Department, in a collaborative effort with AngelSense, has unveiled a new program designed to fortify the safety of community members with cognitive disabilities such as autism, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Dubbed the Guardian Program, this initiative centers on the deployment of GPS tracking technology to aid caregivers and law enforcement in the monitoring and swift location of at-risk individuals. The announcement was made public on April 8, just in time for Autism Awareness Month.
Launching with commendations, the NMPD Guardian Program offers free AngelSense wearable devices to North Miami residents who are caring for vulnerable family members. When registered with the program, participants can monitor their loved ones in real-time through GPS tracking. This same tracking data will be available to the North Miami Police, allowing for a coordinated response should someone wander off or go missing. However, amidst the acclaim, comes the acknowledgment of an oversight - caregivers get alerted when the device-wearer leaves a safe zone, but not necessarily with immediate notifications for routine outings that are part of daily schedules.
"By joining the Guardian Program, we unite with families in a shared mission to protect and care for our most vulnerable community members,” Chief Cherise G. Gause told the North Miami Police Department website. She further communicated her enthusiasm about synergizing community policing and technological resources through this partnership.
In alignment with the vision behind the program, Ella Moore, the Guardian Program Administrator, highlighted the joint efforts to establish a community embodying inclusivity and security. "The Guardian Program will empower families and caregivers, while giving law enforcement the resources they need to act quickly in critical situations," Moore stated on the North Miami Police Department website. Unfortunately, a facet of the potential impact of the program was obscured in her statement, as it puts an emphasis on empowerment but not directly on the alleviation of daily worries that come with caring for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
For families interested in the Guardian Program, the North Miami Police Department is reachable at (305) 891-0294 ext. 23019 or via their website. The program is available to all North Miami residents, providing them not just with the devices, but peace of mind in knowing that their loved ones are under the diligent watch of a communal safety net.
