KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Kissimmee Police Department is hoping to get results for some of the most vulnerable members of our community through its new initiative, “Operation Identify.”
The program helps officers quickly assist those who may have cognitive disabilities, may be considered non-verbal or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Through the initiative, people can register their loved ones for a bracelet to make sure they get the help they need should they ever wander away from their home or other safe place and can’t remember how to get back.
“Well, I think there’s nothing more frustrating than coming across somebody that’s in need and realizing that they have no way of telling you where they live, what their name is, you know, who can come help them, even a phone number or anything to reach out to a loved one,” said Kissimmee police Captain Michael Tilton.
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Residents can fill out an application for the bracelet and include information like the name of the wearer, their date of birth, address and emergency contact details. Tilton says the information is safely stored and the bracelet is not a tracking device.
“This gives us an option, or we may be able to identify this person and get them back in contact, back home with their loved ones,” Tilton said.
Tilton said while the bracelet itself is simple, there is a lot of useful tech inside.
“There is a serial number and then we’ve got a QR code which can be which can be scanned with your camera to start off with,” Tilton said. “It’s also got an RF chip on the inside. So if you do a tap with your phone, it will also give that information.”
The bracelet does not reveal personal information — once it’s scanned, it directs the person to a web page with the Kissimmee Police Department’s nonemergency number and instructions should they come across someone wearing the bracelet who might need help.
“It’s a great deal of technology that can help somebody that can explain to us where they came from or where they need to go to,” Tilton said.
To learn more about “Operation Identify” or to register someone for the program, click here.
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