Who is a Vulnerable Person?

A vulnerable person is defined as someone who due to medical, cognitive, mental health, or physical condition may exhibit patterns of behavior that may pose a danger to that person or someone around them; including people who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, or have an autism diagnosis.  A vulnerable person is also someone, who may have mobility challenges, hearing or vision impairments or other special needs that may affect communication or response in an emergency situation.

What is the Guardian Project?

The purpose of the Guardian Project/Vulnerable Population Registry is to provide Randolph County emergency responders with important information from individuals who may require assistance during an emergency, e.g.: flood, hurricane, power outage, medical emergency, missing, etc. The registry is a community-focused policing source designed to enhance and promote communication between vulnerable individuals, their support networks, and emergency agencies.  

Requirement - MUST be a Randolph County resident.

This program is available to Randolph County residents, is voluntary and individuals in the registry may decide whether or not to accept assistance. Completion of this form in no way ensures that the individual completing this form will receive immediate or preferential treatment in an emergency. Individuals should maintain a personal emergency plan.

How does this work? Voluntary Participation.

An individual and their caregiver can choose to register information about their specific needs, including medical conditions, communication preferences, emergency contact details, a detailed physical description, and any specific sensitivities the individual may have. Information submitted to the registry is strictly confidential, used solely for emergency response purposes, and integrated into Randolph County’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, providing prompt accessibility and ensuring that essential information/critical detail is available to first responders to tailor their response to the situation and meet the specific needs of individuals listed in the registry during service calls.

The information provided for the person could also help first responders locate them and return them home promptly if they were to wander away from home. 

What is the goal of the registry?

• An informed response. To provide law enforcement and emergency responders with quick access to critical information about a registered person so the responder can assist in an emergency.  By having readily available information, first responders can quickly assess a situation and provide appropriate assistance, potentially saving valuable time in critical moments.
• The registry empowers individuals with vulnerabiities to feel more secure and supported in their community 
• This initiative encouraces collaboration between community members, agencies and law enforcement to better served vulnerable populations.

How does the optional GPS-enabled tracking work for those who wander?

A cellular and GPS-enabled watch, worn by an individual with cognitive condition(s) prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering, sends real-time alerts and location information to a caregiver’s smartphone through the Theora Link app. The caregiver can view the watch’s location on their phone through the app.  Additionally, the system sends alerts if the wearer exits a designated safe zone area (650 to 1,968 sq. feet). The watch features an SOS button for the wearer to contact a trusted family member. Caregivers can also connect directly with the watch.  The watch will automatically answer any number associated with the device. 

This approach focuses on the individual, allowing for healthy movement and greater independence rather than confinement.

Key Features

• Safe zones—set up geofences anytime for any location so you are alerted when your loved one enters or exits a safe zone. 
• Quick Connect—call your loved one anytime, the wearable will automatically answer, and you are connected. 
• SOS button—anytime your loved one can call you when they need help. 
• Low battery notifications help you keep your loved one’s wearable charged and ready.
• No spam—only phone numbers set up in Theora Link can call the wearable.  

In January 2026, the juvenile portion of the GPS-enabled component of the Guardian Project was officially named: Lifesaving Identification And Monitoring (L.I.A.M.) YouthWatch.

Even if they do not currently qualify for the GPS-enabled watch, they are eligible, and we strongly encourage registration in the Vulnerable Population Registry, creating an alert in our system and providing information about the person for all first responders. 

How to register: 

This online registry is a simple and convenient means to provide all required information from the comfort of your home or office.  

Individuals interested in registering with the Guardian Project - Vulnerable Population Registry can scan the QR code or visit our website to Register here or scan the QR code

For more information or to help with registration, contact Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach: rcsocommunityoutreach@randolphcountync.gov

Other tracking equipment options to consider if wearing the watch is not possible or does not meet the need:  

Angel Sense

Our team remains actively engaged in researching additional equipment options and pursuing available funding opportunities to expand and strengthen this program for the families we serve.

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We have also added VULNERABLE PERSON OCCUPANT - RESPOND WITH CARE window clings to the program.   

This window cling will help any first responder approach situations with added awareness, patience and appropriate accommodation.

Display the window cling near the most used entrance (in a window or door window), where it is easily visible or on the rear window of a vehicle so approaching first responders can clearly see it.

When first responders see the sticker, they understand there may be a person present who may not be able to speak or respond verbally; may become overwhelmed by lights, sirens, noise, or unexpected interaction; may need instructions delivered calmly and clearly; or may have mobility or medical needs. 

This awareness helps responders slow down, adjust their approach, and ensure safer, more supportive interactions. 

Stickers will be available at the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach in Asheboro - 727 McDowell Rd., Asheboro, NC 27205 or call 336-318-6687.

This Guardian Project is evolving to meet the needs of more families. Every application represents a family navigating challenges, and we hope to find a way to support them in some way.