South Australia Police (SAPOL) and Neighbourhood Watch have launched a new initiative aimed at keeping vulnerable people safe while attending events – Safety and Assistance Wristbands.
Chief Inspector of the Community Engagement Section at SAPOL, Cameron Devey said the new, free Wristbands contained space where vital information about the wearer could be noted such as phone number, medical advice, languages spoken, or details of any vulnerabilities.
Chief Inspector Devey said this would allow an assisting person to provide relevant and immediate support if the wearer found themselves lost or in need of help.
“We know that parents and caregivers will keep a close eye on their loved ones and those in their care but sometimes people can become separated and our wristband aims to support people in this worrying situation,” Chief Inspector Devey said.
“At events, as well as enjoyment, community safety is paramount and we know that parents or carers sometimes worry about bringing vulnerable people due to a risk of them getting lost or potentially needing emergency support,” he said.
“Identifying the wearer’s name on the wristband could enable the assisting person to establish a friendly rapport with the wristband wearer and help alleviate any potential anxiety.”
Chief Inspector Devey said the wristbands were made from Tyvek material and were tear proof, water resistant, lightweight, allergy free and had a tab free adhesive that ensured there would be no disposable plastic tab element at the time of fitting.
“Even if people go out on their own, they may want to consider wearing a wristband if they have any physical or health concerns,” he said.
The wristband is now available from all South Australian police stations and SAPOL’s police station finder can be accessed at this PS News link.
