South Whitehall Township Police officers recently learned how to use a PLI 3000 FM receiver during a training session with Project Lifesaver, an international organization that works to ensure a safe homecoming if adults or children with cognitive disorders were to become lost.

“The program [will allow] SWT Police personnel a much greater opportunity to practice their skills, expand their knowledge base and interact on a more dedicated level with our residents,” Melissa Hudak, police clerk with South Whitehall Township Police Department emailed The Press. “SWT Police Department believes the long-term outcome of this program will serve to benefit residents by providing better continuity of care and a peace of mind to our caregivers.”

Project Lifesaver International is a nonprofit organization founded by Chief Gene Saunders, of the Chesapeake, Va. Sheriff’s Office in October 1998.

Participants include those with dementia, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, Down syndrome and other related illnesses.

At-risk persons wear a radio transmitter, which emits an inaudible pulse, on their wrist or ankle.

A receiver operated by trained safety officers aids in finding an individual who may have wandered off.

Project Lifesaver includes training, procedures and certification.