Alerts and Missing Persons

Alerts and Missing Persons Overview

  • Learning Objectives: Understand various alerts, activation workflows, and NAMUS system purpose.

AMBER Alert

  • Purpose: Enlist public assistance in finding abducted children.

  • Origin: Named after Amber Hagerman, abducted in 1996.

  • Implementation: Established in 2004; over 80 activations in Washington state.

  • Criteria for Activation:

    • Child 17 and under, known abduction, not a runaway.

    • Activation within 4 hours of the incident.

    • Must be reported and investigated by law enforcement.

    • Sufficient public information must be available.

    • Belief of danger to child's life.

Activation Process

  • Initiator: Authorized personnel (law enforcement).

  • Data Entry: Access via WSP website; complete required fields.

  • Distribution Methods: Email, fax, EAS, WEA, and highway signs.

Endangered Missing Persons Advisory (EMPA)

  • Covers incidents of diverse endangered missing persons.

  • Aims for rapid dissemination of information for safe returns.

  • Criteria for EMPA: Law enforcement report, sufficient detail for recovery, and vehicle info needed for highway signs.

Criteria for Other Alerts

  • Missing Indigenous Persons Alert: Similar criteria as EMPA.

  • Silver Alert: For individuals over 60, at risk due to health conditions.

Missing Persons Definitions

  • Persons missing under various circumstances (e.g., endangered, juvenile, involuntary).

  • Law Enforcement Requirements:

    • Report required for those under 21 (changed by Suzanne's Law).

    • Must gather dental records or DNA for identification.

Case Study: Rick Robinson

  • Missing from Cinco de Mayo celebration; discrepancies in witness accounts led to investigation.

  • Body discovered days later, ruled accidental death.

NAMUS Overview

  • National database for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons.

  • Features: Geo-Mapping, accessible to various agencies, and provides support for investigations.

  • Includes capabilities for entering dental information and assists with matching cases.