Bloodhound Tracking Program Focus Of Seminar With Township, Sheriff

ORLAND TOWNSHIP — Orland Township has partnered with the Cook County Sheriff's Office in hosting a seminar focused on highlighting the sheriff's bloodhound tracking program.

The program is designed to support seniors, caregivers, and families of children with autism, providing essential knowledge and resources for safe community practices. Scheduled for Thursday, February 27 at 5 p.m., the seminar will take place at the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park.

The event aims to educate attendees on the vital role that specially trained bloodhounds play in locating missing individuals, particularly those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia, and autism. Individuals with developmental disabilities (particularly autism) and seniors with dementia often wander from safe places, and as a result they sometimes experience negative outcomes, the sheriff's office said. Between 2011 and 2016, there were 808 reported missing persons cases involving an individual with autism. Of those cases, 17% resulted in fatalities, 13% required medical attention, and 38% resulted in “close calls.” Similarly, when seniors with dementia are not found within 24 hours of wandering, approximately half experience injury or death.

The Cook County Sheriff Office’s Wandering Aversion, Training, and Response (WATR) Program is meant to help prevent wandering and to mitigate the risks when or if wandering occurs.

The program will feature a live demonstration, including a video showcasing an officer utilizing bloodhounds in a search operation for a missing senior. Furthermore, attendees will receive valuable handouts outlining safety tips and resources available through the program, including a scent kit designed for individuals at risk of going missing.

In addition to the educational components, an officer and a trained canine will be present at the seminar to discuss the specialized training that canine units undergo to become qualified for these critical search and rescue missions. Participants will learn about the intricacies of canine tracking and how these devoted animals assist law enforcement in ensuring the safety of vulnerable members of our community.

“This partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s office marks a pivotal advancement in our commitment to enhancing community awareness and safety. This collaboration is not only vital for the well-being of the 5,000 residents living in unincorporated Orland Township but also serves to strengthen the security and cohesion of the Township as a whole,” said Supervisor O’Grady.

“We encourage families and caregivers to join us for this informative seminar. Knowledge is our first line of defense in protecting those who may be at risk, and this program is an invaluable resource.”

Registration for the seminar is required and can be completed by calling the Orland Township office at (708)403-4222.