California Introduces Smartwatch Technology to Locate Missing Persons

A new initiative in Los Angeles County aims to enhance the safety of individuals with cognitive impairments by utilizing advanced smartwatch technology. The program, known as L.A. Found, was launched following the tragic disappearance of Nancy Paulikas, who had early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Her husband, Kirk Moody, shared his heart-wrenching experience during a press event on October 15, 2025, marking the anniversary of her death.

Nine years ago, Paulikas went missing from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Despite extensive searches, her remains were discovered over two years later in Sherman Oaks, miles from where she last was seen. This personal loss has motivated Moody and the L.A. Found Taskforce to advocate for better tracking methods for vulnerable individuals.

At the event held at Gloria Molina Grand Park, county officials announced the introduction of the Theora Care Smartwatch. This GPS-enabled device allows real-time tracking of wearers and sends alerts to caregivers if they wander outside a designated safe zone. The smartwatch also features an SOS button that the wearer can activate in case of emergency.

Moody remarked, “It took 26 months to learn we would not find her alive. She had passed.” He emphasized the importance of the new technology, which was not available during his wife’s disappearance. The county has already distributed several dozen smartwatches and encourages families of individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, or other cognitive conditions to apply for the free devices.

The initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) in locating missing persons. The smartwatch technology is often paired with the Project Lifesaver bracelet program, which emits radio signals to help first responders locate individuals. Since the inception of L.A. Found in 2018, over 1,800 of these bracelets have been distributed.

LASD Commander Geff Deedrick highlighted the significant improvements offered by this technology. “By having this technology that enables us to track them, we can respond more quickly,” he noted. Specifically, he mentioned the risks faced by individuals with autism, who often gravitate toward water, making timely intervention critical to preventing drowning incidents.

In Los Angeles County, more than 190,000 older adults are living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Additionally, it is estimated that one in 22 children in California has been diagnosed with autism. This rising prevalence has raised concerns about the safety of these vulnerable populations.

Kate Movius, founder of Autism Interaction Solutions and a member of the L.A. Found Taskforce, shared alarming statistics regarding the mortality rates of missing persons with autism. “About 91% of wandering deaths for people with autism are due to drowning,” she stated, underscoring the urgency of implementing effective tracking solutions.

During the event, Jordan Nichole Wall, a 27-year-old with Down syndrome, showcased her new smartwatch. Her mother, Mary Brown, recounted several close calls where Jordan wandered off, emphasizing the challenges of keeping track of her daughter’s impulsive nature. “Had we had a device like this, we could’ve found her much quicker,” Brown said, as she proudly displayed the smartwatch to the audience.

Janet Rivera, who cares for her mother with dementia and her son with cognitive disabilities, expressed her relief at the introduction of these devices. “I am getting older, and I can’t run as fast,” she said. The smartwatches provide her family with a sense of security, allowing them to remain calm knowing they can locate their loved ones if they wander off.

Fourth District LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who co-authored the motion that initiated L.A. Found in 2018, concluded the event by emphasizing that every family member or caregiver deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved one can be found if they go missing.

For more information about the L.A. Found program and how to apply for a smartwatch, interested parties can visit ad.lacounty.gov/LAFOUND or call 1-833-569-7651. This innovative approach to tracking missing individuals represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of the community.