Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office says technology using radio frequency finds people that wander.

Hillsborough County, Fla - The same technology used to track animals and cars is now being used to track people.

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office uses the technology and says it will save lives.

Sergeant Jeff Massaro listens for a beep because that sound will lead him to a missing person.

"Those old shows where they were tracking migratory patterns of animals, this is the technology," Massaro said.

While the radio frequency technology is old, it is now being used to find people.

Massaro says people with dementia, alzheimer's, and children that are autistic can benefit from the technology.

Many times at ABC Action News we report on people that have wandered off. In most cases a reunion happens quickly, but in others, the search ends tragically.

Back in March of 2009, a three day search ended when the body of Grace Enid Hendricks was found.

Family members say Hendricks had alzheimer's, and just wandered off. Her body was found near I-75.

"Had this person been on the system, I'm confident it would have been a much different outcome," Massaro said.

Now that the technology is available, Massaro wants to get the word out that it works. In fact, just a few weeks ago, a man with alzheimer's who wandered off was found in just a few minutes.

"A search with this equipment, it just dramatically reduces our search time," Massaro said.

So far, deputies are working with about 15 families. Those families first contact LoJack SafetyNet, then the sheriffs office fits the person with the tracking device.

"This person can shower with it, swim with it, whatever they normally do, they can do with this on," Massaro said.

If someone wanders off, Massaro says he can track them in the air or on the ground about a mile away.

The deputy showed us exactly how he finds someone by starting with the last place the person was seen. He holds up what looks like an old TV antenna and then listens for a beep. He walks towards the beep and as it gets louder and louder, he knows he is close.

In about three minutes, he found what he was looking for. He says without the tool, the three minutes could have easily turned into hours or even days.

The cost of the tracking device is $30 each month. There is also a $100 set up fee. If you think someone in your family may benefit from this product, you can find more information at: www.lojack.com/safetynet

The Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office realizes not everyone can afford the product, so they are looking for sponsors.