The Lorain County Sheriffs Department announced Operation Lifesaver Monday.
With a doctor's referral, they'll give wristband transmitters to families whose loved one has severe autism, Alzheimer's or dementia.
If a loved one wanders away and police are called, they can use receivers that beep louder as it gets closer to the person.
The receivers have a range of one to two miles.
"If you shout to them, they don't answer to that, so with these transmitters on, we can track them down that way, and possibly save their lives,” said Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti.
The devices cost $4,000 but were paid for by local Lions Club.
Families would pay $10 per month to cover batteries and maintenance.
Lorain County Sheriff Phil Stammitti said the devices can be priceless.
"Everybody knows somebody who has Alzheimer's or dementia, my mother-in-law had it, I know how devastating some of these diseases can be,” Stammitti said.
The devices could prove valuable because the Northeast Ohio Amber Alert System does not issue Amber Alert's for children with autism.
The 4 criteria for issuing an amber alert are; under 18 years old, not a runaway, in immediate danger, and police need a detailed description of the child and abductor.
Several local police departments including Lorain, Elyria and Amherst are taking part in the program.
For more information call the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department.
