[Montgomery, Alabama] The Alabama Senate, with its passage of SB44 on March 31, will cripple the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) participation in Project Lifesaver, an international program designed to locate and rescue individuals who have cognitive conditions that lead to wandering.
Cpl. Kent Smith of ALEA Aviation Unit coordinates the agency’s Project Lifesaver and said, “We have had the honor to serve citizens of Alabama through this worthwhile project. We have saved lives. So far, we have placed transmitter bracelets on 84 men, women and children who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, autism or other cognitive disorders that cause them to wander and become lost.”
In the past two years, the state’s program has grown from 29 to 60 counties that are participating of the program. In addition to searching for lost individuals, members of ALEA Aviation Unit are certified to train individuals from other law enforcement agencies across the state. Such training furthers ALEA and Project Lifesaver’s mission to rescue these lost individuals and bring them home safely within a short time.
In fact, searches involving individuals who are not wearing Project Lifesaver bracelets may last days or weeks. Some are never found. Searches for individuals who are wearing Project Lifesaver bracelets, however, are located within an average of 30 minutes.
“Project Lifesaver is an incredible tool with a 100 percent success rate -- but funding is a must,” Smith said.
Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier agreed with Smith and said public safety is vital to Alabama citizens, and the passage of SB44 will severely hinder efforts to keep Alabama safe.
“We are depending on the members of the House of Representatives to act swiftly and correct this disservice to the safety of the citizens of Alabama,” Collier said, adding he believes the House and its leadership will correct the Senate’s anti-law enforcement action.
Collier also noted that 38 of the state’s 431 Troopers currently are being paid from a COPS grant that will end this year. At the beginning of 2016, the agency will be required to pay those Troopers’ salaries or lay them off, which is what ALEA will be force to do if the House does not vote against SB44.
The agency’s Aviation Unit includes 11 Troopers, who during the first quarter of 2015 flew 82 support missions and provided vital assistance to local law enforcement agencies throughout Alabama. These pilots and other unit staff members are ready to assist during emergencies and provide an invaluable law enforcement service to the state. ALEA Aviation plays a vital role in the security and safety of Alabama citizens, which many citizens do not realize.
In addition to Project Lifesaver, the Aviation Unit’s functions and capabilities include:
- Providing air support to prison K9 tracking teams to locate and apprehend escaped inmates and other fugitives.
- Providing air support to assist in bringing high-speed vehicle pursuits to a safe ending and minimize the danger to the motoring public.
- Monitoring traffic flow and directing resources at such major public events as Talladega, college football games and the Selma to Montgomery march.
- Providing aerial survey of damage after major weather events and directing such resources as life-saving supplies. Delivery of life-saving supplies is possible when motor vehicle travel is not possible during such events as ice storms.
- Providing long-line rescue capabilities throughout the state.
- Providing aerial fire suppression in wildfires.
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About Senate Bill 44: The cost of producing and issuing an Alabama Driver License is $42.74 meaning each time a Driver License was issued at $23.50, the agency lost $19.24. Therefore, the agency had to divert funds that could be used to hire State Troopers, Special Agents or other vital law enforcement support services to pay the remaining $19.24 each time a Driver License or Identification Card is issued. Section 32-6-6 of the Code of Alabama permits the agency to recover the cost of producing and issuing the Driver License or Identification Card. Because the agency is reducing production costs by implementing new technology-based initiatives, the cost was not raised the entire amount allowed of $19.24 but $12.75. The current cost of $36.25 does not give extra money to the agency; it allows the agency to simply break even when a Driver License or Identification Card is issued. The passage of SB44 would have a devastating effect on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and force the agency to divert funds intended to hire State Troopers and Special Agents.
