Missing Persons - Project Lifesaver

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of Project Lifesaver?

To create awareness about autism in the community

To provide financial support for families with autism

To improve search and location efforts for missing persons with autism (correct)

To promote physical fitness programs for individuals with autism

Who is responsible for maintaining the current Project Lifesaver participant list?

Autism Action Partnership (correct)

Local community centers

The Omaha Police Department

Project Lifesaver equipment providers

What function does the Transmitter serve in the Project Lifesaver program?

It stores personal information about participants

It sends alerts to caregivers when a participant wanders

It emits a tracking signal every two seconds (correct)

It powers the Receiver device during tracking

Which term refers to the officers certified to use Project Lifesaver equipment?

Electronic Search Specialists Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is included in the Wanderflag registry?

Photos and details about registered participants Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a responsibility of the Omaha Police Department in relation to Project Lifesaver?

Issuing Project Lifesaver Transmitters to clients Signup and view all the answers

How often does the Transmitter emit a tracking signal?

Every two seconds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Project Lifesaver is true?

It uses specialized operations to respond to missing persons with autism Signup and view all the answers

What specific information does 911 Dispatch need to gather about a missing person with a Project Lifesaver Transmitter?

The location where the person was last seen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the on-scene sergeant regarding the deployment of Electronic Search Specialists (ESS)?

The sergeant requests trained ESS to respond to the scene. Signup and view all the answers

What must be completed for all Project Lifesaver missing parties according to OPD policies?

An OPD Missing Person Report. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that Electronic Search Specialists re-certify every two years?

The Project Lifesaver Coordinator. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if an ESS cannot be located immediately?

Contact CVSA for additional assistance. Signup and view all the answers

What should the first ESS do upon arriving at the scene?

Coordinate transport of Project Lifesaver Receiver equipment to the scene. Signup and view all the answers

What form must be completed if the missing person returns before the search begins?

OPD Missing Person Cancellation Form. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a responsibility of the Project Lifesaver Coordinator?

Perform searches for missing persons. Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do when the missing person is located?

Determine if medical treatment is needed. Signup and view all the answers

How many trained Electronic Search Specialists should the sergeant ideally request to respond to the scene?

At least three. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Omaha Police Department (OPD) Project Lifesaver Program

Partnership: OPD partners with Autism Action Partnership and Project Lifesaver to improve missing person cases involving individuals with autism or cognitive conditions.
Registry (Wanderflag): A registry (Wanderflag) records details of participants, including photos.
Equipment: Participants receive a Transmitter (a wrist/ankle device) emitting a chirp every two seconds for tracking; a Receiver is used to track the Transmitter.

Policy & Procedures

Immediate Investigation: OPD policy mandates immediate and thorough investigation of missing person reports.
Enhanced Capabilities: Project Lifesaver partnerships enhance locating capabilities for registered participants.
Electronic Search Specialists (ESS): Certified officers who use Project Lifesaver equipment and procedures for electronic tracking.
Project Lifesaver Definition: A proactive system targeting missing persons with autism or related conditions.
Receiver: Equipment to track the Transmitter.
Transmitter: Personalized device worn on the wrist or ankle to emit a tracking signal.

Search Procedures

Dispatch Information: 911 dispatch needs location, time missing, and Transmitter frequency.
Dispatch Response: An officer and sergeant respond to the scene; the initial officer stays with reporting party while search is conducted.
Specialists: At least two (preferably three trained) Electronic Search Specialists (ESSs) are dispatched.
ESS Availability: If there aren't enough ESSs, call the CVSA or Field Investigations for help.
Coordination: The first available ESS coordinates equipment transport.
Equipment Types: Project Lifesaver Receivers available at precincts, HQ and additional locations.
Briefing: The first responding ESS briefs the on-scene sergeant and other ESSs.
Reunion: If found, officers ensure medical care and reunion with family.

Reporting & Documentation

Comprehensive Reporting Missing Person reports are made for all Project Lifesaver missing persons cases in addition to standard procedures.
Cancellation Forms: Completion of an OPD Missing Person Cancellation Form is mandatory when the person is found, even before the search begins.
ESS Summary: The lead ESS emails the Missing Person Squad sergeant a summary of the incident.
After Action Reports: Missing Person Squad sergeant completes an after-action report for each incident involving a Project Lifesaver participant.

Project Lifesaver Coordinator (PLC) Responsibilities

Monthly Equipment Checks: The PLC conducts monthly tests for equipment functionality and battery status.
Record Keeping: Maintaining records of all Project Lifesaver activities (after-action reports, training documentation, ESS recertification, maintenance)
ESS Certification: The PLC ensures that Electronic Search Specialists (ESS) recertify every two years.
Quarterly ESS Training: The PLC also organizes quarterly training for ESSs to refresh their skills.

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Description

This quiz explores the Omaha Police Department's Project Lifesaver Program, which aims to assist in locating individuals with autism or cognitive conditions. It covers the program's partnership, registry details, equipment utilized, and the policies in place for missing person investigations. Test your knowledge on this important initiative and its operational procedures.