Police praised after hundreds of missing people found thanks to Safe and Found database

Kellie BalaamThe West Australian
Camera IconMaxine Brown went missing from her home in Margaret River but was found safe and sound due to police’s efforts. Credit: WA Police/RegionalHUB

More than 140 people living with dementia were found this year after they were reported as missing by their families thanks to the Safe and Found database developed by the WA Police and MedicAlert Foundation.

The database, which has been in operation for 12 months, helps police to quickly locate vulnerable people living with dementia, autism or a cognitive impairment that increases their chances of becoming lost.

So far this year, there have been more than 140 searches for lost persons living with dementia and police anticipate this could reach as many as 200 by the end of 2022.

In 2017, police conducted 46 land searches and by 2020 that number increased to 78 searches before surging to 170 the next year.

By having access to information such as ‘lost person behaviour’ or a recent photo of the missing person improves authorities’ chances of finding the missing person.

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In May, 78-year-old Maxine Brown went missing from her home in Margaret River sparking a desperate police search as family and friends became concerned for her welfare.

She was found safe and sound, but cold and alone hiding in dense bushland.

After a reunion with her family in hospital, police released body-worn camera footage showing the moment officers stumbled across her “leaning against a tree”.

In the darkness with the sun only just beginning to rise, an officer is heard speaking to Ms Brown saying, “You OK? We’ve been looking for you all night, how’d you manage to get all the way over here?”

Ms Brown’s daughter Jane praised the “amazing response” from police and was “immensely grateful”.

Specialist and support services assistant commissioner Paul Steel said the initiative was making a real difference to the community.

“When Inspector Steve Scott first raised this as an idea there were several challenges he faced to turn an idea into a reality,” he said.

“Some of those challenges related to technology, some related to finding the right people who could share the same vision — but he persisted and what he has achieved with his team is a testament to his dedication and commitment to policing and to the community”

Police minister Paul Papalia said the Safe and Found initiative put WA ahead of the nation.

“I also encourage the community to continue to get behind this initiative and register a family member if they are at high risk of going missing for any reason,” he said.

According to Dementia Australia, there are 46 000 people in WA living with all forms of dementia.

Families and carers can find more information regarding the Safe & Found WA initiative by visiting this link.

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