California County Introduces Smartwatches to Aid Missing Persons

Los Angeles County has launched a new initiative using smart technology to enhance the safety of individuals with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s and autism. The program, known as L.A. Found, aims to prevent tragedies similar to that of Kirk Moody’s wife, Nancy Paulikas, who went missing in 2016 while visiting the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Moody recounted the heart-wrenching experience during a press event on October 15, 2025, stating that it took 26 months to learn that his wife had passed away. Her remains were discovered miles away from the museum. This tragic incident has driven the county to adopt a proactive approach in the search for missing persons with cognitive challenges.

At the event held at Gloria Molina Grand Park, officials introduced the Theora Care Smartwatch, a GPS-enabled device designed to track individuals in real-time. The smartwatch can send instant alerts to caregivers if the wearer strays beyond a designated safe zone, defined by geofencing technology. It also features an SOS button for emergencies.

Janet Hahn, a Los Angeles County Supervisor, emphasized the importance of these devices, highlighting that they can save lives. Since the launch of L.A. Found, several dozen of these smartwatches have been distributed at no cost to families caring for individuals who might wander due to cognitive impairments. The program also includes a Project Lifesaver bracelet, which emits radio signals to assist first responders in locating missing individuals.

The new technology significantly improves upon older search methods. LASD Commander Geff Deedrick explained that the smartwatch helps narrow down search areas, often to a single address, allowing for quicker responses in critical situations. He noted that individuals with autism often gravitate towards water, heightening the risk of drowning. With the smartwatch, search teams can respond more effectively.

In Los Angeles County, over 190,000 older adults are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and about 1 in 22 children have been diagnosed with autism. These statistics underscore the urgency of the L.A. Found initiative. Kate Movius, a member of the task force and founder of Autism Interaction Solutions, raised concerns about the increasing mortality rate for missing persons with autism, noting that drowning accounts for a significant portion of these fatalities.

Families shared their personal experiences at the event. Mary Brown, whose daughter, Jordan Nichole Wall, has Down syndrome, recounted how easily her daughter could wander off during outings. Brown expressed relief at the prospect of having a tracking device, stating, “Had we had a device like this, we could’ve found her much quicker.”

Similarly, Janet Rivera, who cares for her mother with dementia and her son with cognitive disabilities, stressed the peace of mind the smartwatch provides. “Just knowing that they can be found quickly makes a difference,” she said.

As the program continues to expand, the Los Angeles County authorities encourage families to apply for these tracking devices. For more information on L.A. Found and how to access the technology, interested parties can visit ad.lacounty.gov/LAFOUND or call 1-833-569-7651.

The integration of technology into public safety measures marks a significant step forward in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. It not only enhances the chances of locating missing persons but also provides families with critical support and reassurance.