Sheriff’s Office Chooses AngelSense to Protect Vulnerable Residents
January 4, 2024
The Sheriff’s Office in Burlington County, New Jersey, is upgrading to AngelSense Assistive Technology to track, locate, and serve its special needs residents. The County Sheriff says AngelSense is “night and day from the prior system for range and functionality”.
“It’s an important program that can save lives and provide greater peace of mind to families with loved ones who may be prone to wandering off and becoming lost,” says Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis.
Since 2006, the Sheriff’s Office and other participating police departments have used various measures to track missing persons. These, however, had unpredictable range and required frequent battery charges, as well as demanding extensive training from officers. Ultimately, they fell short in terms of the reliability needed for emergency situations that are all too common among at-risk groups with conditions that can cause disorientation or difficulties communicating if they get lost.
Even if full independence is not always possible, AngelSense Assistive Technology opens up new possibilities for autistic children and their support networks. It’s a game-changer that allows for greater independence, making a real difference in their lives.
The new AngelSense assistive technology system is different. It combines GPS, cellular connectivity, and WiFi, along with AI enhancements, to deliver targeted, proactive alerts and reliable tracking information.
According to Kostoplis, AngelSense is “night and day from the prior system for range and functionality. Privacy is maintained, but if the person goes missing, we’ll be much better equipped to locate them quickly and safely.”
The upgrade, which is being funded by the US Bureau of Justice, will immediately benefit 75 Burlington County residents who are currently enrolled in the program.
Everyday features, life-changing outcomes
AngelSense is a powerful comprehensive solution that addresses emergencies and meets the large-scale organizational needs of law enforcement agencies or schools. But at the same time, AngelSense’s assistive technology was designed with the everyday needs of autistic individuals in mind.
The AngelSense team is a recognized member of the autism community, with a mission to create assistive technology that improves the lives of those with autism. Technology that understands their unique challenges, supports their safety and independence, and enhances their quality of life and wellbeing.
The AngelSense device can be discreetly worn as a smartwatch or attached to a child’s clothing. A simple smartphone app then allows parents and other caregivers to track, communicate, and provide remote assistance. These dedicated features actively help in protecting children’s safety, facilitating smoother transitions, and fostering confidence.
- AngelSense’s continuous all-day monitoring ensures that the system remains aware of a child’s whereabouts, regardless of whether the app is actively in use. This capability enables the system to notify parents of any changes in location and proactively alert them to potential emergencies, such as instances of wandering.
- The auto-pickup speakerphone feature lets parents promptly connect with their child and provide support whenever necessary throughout the day.
- The SOS call request button lets children easily initiate two-way voice communication with a single click. This feature helps prevent potential meltdowns or seek assistance when needed.
- Through safe-ride monitoring, caregivers gain access to a live map that provides detailed travel routes, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and alerts for late arrivals and departures.
- First-responder alarms provide immediate assistance from a personalized and pre-defined search team within seconds.
Finally, by incorporating sensory-friendly design and offering multiple wearing options, the device ensures that it remains securely with the child while minimizing irritation for kids with sensory sensitivity.
Safety concerns often confine autistic kids to restrictive environments, limiting their self-esteem and independence. The endless worry over potential mishaps can be overwhelming for parents. But with reliable, proactive technology, parents can finally breathe a sigh of relief and let go of the constant vigilance.
Even if full independence is not always possible, AngelSense Assistive Technology opens up new possibilities for autistic children and their support networks. It’s a game-changer that allows for greater independence, making a real difference in their lives.
AngelSense is proud to be partnering with counties that prioritize taking smart steps to protect public safety, particularly within the autism community.
