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September 29, 2005

In the wake of recent news stories depicting the plight of family members separated by natural disasters, Woodbridge Township is encouraging residents to take advantage of its Safe & Sound Registry.

“ The Safe & Sound Registry is a vital lifeline that can prevent a terrible tragedy,” says Mayor Frank G. Pelzman.

The Safe & Sound Registry is a computer database operated by the Woodbridge Township Police Department that helps locate Alzheimer’s patients, autistic children and those with other forms of mental illness or dementia who have wandered away from home or familiar surroundings.

Caregivers provide police with an individual’s detailed physical description, photo and pertinent personal information. Should the individual become lost, a police officer can call up the information on an in-vehicle computer screen and initiate a search. The database can be updated to incorporate new information about the individual.

 The Safe & Sound Registry was created in September, 2002, by Woodbridge Police Lieutenant Thomas Garley in response to resident concerns voiced to Council members. Woodbridge Township has a senior population of nearly 20% and is home to several residential centers for developmentally disabled children and adults.

 “Safe & Sound has provided peace of mind to caregivers by giving them access to immediate community-wide outreach if a loved one cannot be located,” says Lt. Garley. “It has swiftly aided police and social workers in resolving missing person cases and has often saved lost individuals from imminent harm.”

The Safe & Sound Registry combines the latest in computer and database technology with the traditional caretaker function of police and social workers. “This program extends the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community at a critical moment when time is of the essence,” says Mayor Pelzman.

To register with the Safe & Sound Registry call (732) 726-2304 or check the Township web site at:

www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us.