Fastrack Program

The Naperville Police Department has combined "tried and true" radio technology with specially-trained response team members to build an effective, life-saving program to locate high risk persons who have a history of wandering. Called Fastrack, this program uses Care Trak International equipment and has proven itself to be reliable, responsive, practical and affordable.

Program Background

Clients who are part of the Fastrack Program wear a personalized transmitter on their wrist or ankle that emits a continual, silent tracking signal assigned just to them. When caregivers notify the Naperville Police Department that a client is missing, a search and rescue team responds and begins tracking the client with a hand-held, directional response system targeted at the client's specific frequency.

The radio telemetry technology is preferred over GPS/Cellular units because the signal can be tracked inside most buildings, in heavy foliage or in times of heavily clouded skies. This gives searchers the ability to track within a few inches of the lost person, day or night, inside or outside. It can also reduce search times from hours and days to minutes.

Fastrack emphasizes relationships between the search team members and the people who wander before the need may arise for a rescue. Team members conduct bi-monthly visits to maintain equipment and support the client's family. Our team is trained not only in the use of the tracking equipment but also in techniques used in communicating with disoriented persons. Fastrack team members are skilled in how to approach, gain trust and comfort a person who has wandered.

Eligible Clients

Those who are eligible for the Fastrack Program are:

• Naperville residents of any age
• Individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, Down Syndrome or Autism or who are at risk of wandering with communication difficulties
• Individuals who have a full-time caregiver

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