This statewide system is designed to aid in the swift location of missing individuals deemed to be high-risk due to age, cognitive impairment, or disability. Activation criteria typically include confirmation that the missing person is 65 years of age or older, or has a mental impairment, irreversible deterioration of intellectual faculties, or a physical disability that puts them at risk. Furthermore, there must be sufficient information available that could assist in the individual’s safe recovery, such as a vehicle description or direction of travel.
The implementation of this alert mechanism offers several critical advantages. It leverages the power of public awareness and media dissemination to quickly mobilize a community-wide search effort. The rapid spread of information can significantly increase the chances of a safe return, particularly in cases where the missing person may be vulnerable or disoriented. Historically, the implementation of similar programs across the nation has demonstrated improved outcomes in locating missing vulnerable adults and reducing the duration of search efforts.
