By Linda Taaffe

An automated telephone call could alert Los Altos residents the next time a neighborhood crime or disaster is in progress through a new high-tech emergency system scheduled to be in place this spring.

Los Altos-based Teleminder last week awarded the Los Altos Police Department a $25,900 automated telephone emergency alerting system during the company’s annual state law enforcement technology grant giveaway.

The computer-operated equipment uses an electronic map to target and notify specific neighborhoods with recorded safety information during emergencies. The system would work much like the recorded messages some medical offices use to remind patients of their scheduled appointments.

Los Altos Police Sgt. Dennis Loucks described Teleminder as a “mini Amber Alert system” for the community.

Loucks said the police could use the system to increase public safety in numerous situations, including instruction during disasters such as a toxic spill. He said the police warn residents in the affected area to stay inside and keep their windows shut. The system could alert residents to be on the look out for a missing child or lost adult with Alzhemiers disease.

“We can maxamize the eyes and ears of the community and find a person in shorter amount of time,” he said. “I think it’s really a win-win situation. We can keep the community safe and save resources.”

TeleMinder is capable of alerting up to 250 homes per hour.

“In a small community where resources and staff are limited, TeleMinder will greatly enhance our ability to communicate with our citizens,” said Police Chief Don Johnson.