State Government Assistance for Cases of Missing and Unidentified Persons
Started by
Kelly
, Jan 22 2008 02:49 PM
14 replies to this topic
#1
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 22 January 2008 - 02:49 PM
This thread is for the purpose of reporting news about new state laws in regards to missing and unidentified persons.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#2
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 22 January 2008 - 02:50 PM
http://www.berkshire...ines/ci_8041736
Online database for missing kids
Tool would help state officials track youth
By Matt Murphy, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Article Launched: 01/22/2008 03:10:43 AM EST
Tuesday, January 22
BOSTON — More than 30 years ago, 13-year-old Deborah Ann Quimby disappeared. She was last seen riding her bicycle to her grandmother's home in Townsend.
Quimby's picture and story have been revisited many times over the years since her disappearance in 1977 as police received new tips to ignite a trail long gone cold.
Although hers might be one of the more infamous missing child cases in the state, not every family or child gone missing receives the same attention.
A new online clearing house for all missing children in Massachusetts would give law enforcement officials a valuable tool for tracking youths in what some lawmakers and child welfare advocates are calling a long-overdue step.
Dozens of states across the country already operate similar clearing houses for missing children, including New York state, where 21,646 children reportedly went missing in 2006.
In Massachusetts, however, it is impossible to know at any given time the number of unaccounted-for children.
"We don't have a one-stop shop where law enforcement officials will know whether a young person who's under 21 has been abducted or is a runaway," said state Rep. Thomas.
A. Golden Jr., D-Lowell. "Having two daughters of my own, I can't imagine not knowing where they are at all times."
Golden, along with Sen. Steven A. Baddour, D-Methuen, has filed a bill that would create an online clearing house where law enforcement officials and the public would be able to track all reports of missing children throughout the state.
The bill would extend the age for filing such reports on minors from 18 to 21.
Laurie Myers, a child protection advocate and president of Community Voices, said a clearing house would stimulate communication between local police departments and would aid more quickly in finding missing children who are abducted or who have run away from home.
"This would get the word out much quicker and help notify other police departments. Right now, there's just a lot of confusion when kids go missing, and sometimes there's little follow-up after a report is filed," said Myers, a Chelmsford resident and a former rape crisis counselor.
The new clearing house would be operated by the Massachusetts State Police under the Executive Office of Public Safety. Besides more stringent reporting requirements, the Web site would offer helpful advice for parents and community members and would operate a toll-free hot line.
The state already maintains a Web site for missing children, but Myers said the information available is far from complete.
A year ago, when Community Voices began doing research for the proposed legislation, two children were listed on the state site.
Today, there are 30 children listed as missing, all compiled from reports registered with the National Crime Information Center, a database overseen by the FBI and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Quimby and Judith Ann Charter, abducted from Chelmsford in 1982 when she was 18, are both listed on the site.
Myers said many local police departments do not always submit information to NCIC when parents or others give a report of a missing child to local police.
"They've been put on the back burner for far too long, and these are kids. They should be taken seriously," Myers said.
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a hearing on the bill last week, with no discernible opposition to proposal.
Golden called the bill a "slam dunk." As for why it has taken so long for Massachusetts to do what many other states already have, Golden said he was not sure.
"I keep asking that, and no one has an answer. The bottom line is we filed this, we're 100 percent behind this, and if we help one more family find their child, that's what we're all about," he said.
Online database for missing kids
Tool would help state officials track youth
By Matt Murphy, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Article Launched: 01/22/2008 03:10:43 AM EST
Tuesday, January 22
BOSTON — More than 30 years ago, 13-year-old Deborah Ann Quimby disappeared. She was last seen riding her bicycle to her grandmother's home in Townsend.
Quimby's picture and story have been revisited many times over the years since her disappearance in 1977 as police received new tips to ignite a trail long gone cold.
Although hers might be one of the more infamous missing child cases in the state, not every family or child gone missing receives the same attention.
A new online clearing house for all missing children in Massachusetts would give law enforcement officials a valuable tool for tracking youths in what some lawmakers and child welfare advocates are calling a long-overdue step.
Dozens of states across the country already operate similar clearing houses for missing children, including New York state, where 21,646 children reportedly went missing in 2006.
In Massachusetts, however, it is impossible to know at any given time the number of unaccounted-for children.
"We don't have a one-stop shop where law enforcement officials will know whether a young person who's under 21 has been abducted or is a runaway," said state Rep. Thomas.
A. Golden Jr., D-Lowell. "Having two daughters of my own, I can't imagine not knowing where they are at all times."
Golden, along with Sen. Steven A. Baddour, D-Methuen, has filed a bill that would create an online clearing house where law enforcement officials and the public would be able to track all reports of missing children throughout the state.
The bill would extend the age for filing such reports on minors from 18 to 21.
Laurie Myers, a child protection advocate and president of Community Voices, said a clearing house would stimulate communication between local police departments and would aid more quickly in finding missing children who are abducted or who have run away from home.
"This would get the word out much quicker and help notify other police departments. Right now, there's just a lot of confusion when kids go missing, and sometimes there's little follow-up after a report is filed," said Myers, a Chelmsford resident and a former rape crisis counselor.
The new clearing house would be operated by the Massachusetts State Police under the Executive Office of Public Safety. Besides more stringent reporting requirements, the Web site would offer helpful advice for parents and community members and would operate a toll-free hot line.
The state already maintains a Web site for missing children, but Myers said the information available is far from complete.
A year ago, when Community Voices began doing research for the proposed legislation, two children were listed on the state site.
Today, there are 30 children listed as missing, all compiled from reports registered with the National Crime Information Center, a database overseen by the FBI and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Quimby and Judith Ann Charter, abducted from Chelmsford in 1982 when she was 18, are both listed on the site.
Myers said many local police departments do not always submit information to NCIC when parents or others give a report of a missing child to local police.
"They've been put on the back burner for far too long, and these are kids. They should be taken seriously," Myers said.
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a hearing on the bill last week, with no discernible opposition to proposal.
Golden called the bill a "slam dunk." As for why it has taken so long for Massachusetts to do what many other states already have, Golden said he was not sure.
"I keep asking that, and no one has an answer. The bottom line is we filed this, we're 100 percent behind this, and if we help one more family find their child, that's what we're all about," he said.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#3
Linda
Linda
-
- Guests
Posted 12 March 2008 - 06:40 AM
http://www.mysuncoas...nav=menu577_2_1
Disappearance of Florida toddler spurs bill in New York legislature
March 12, 2008
MIAMI (AP) - A New York state senator is sponsoring a bill spurred by the disappearance of central Florida toddler in 2006.
The proposed law, named after Trenton Duckett, would require parents to show a government-issued birth certificate -- not a photocopied document -- when enrolling their children in state day care centers.
Duckett's grandmother, Beth Eubank, lives in upstate New York. She believes the law could help authorities find missing children. Eubank hopes the proposed legislation gains the momentum of Megan's Law and the Amber Alert system, which began as state laws but have been adopted nationwide.
Trenton's mother -- and Eubank's adopted daughter -- committed suicide following a contentious interview with CNN Headline News host Nancy Grace about the missing Leesburg boy.
Disappearance of Florida toddler spurs bill in New York legislature
March 12, 2008
MIAMI (AP) - A New York state senator is sponsoring a bill spurred by the disappearance of central Florida toddler in 2006.
The proposed law, named after Trenton Duckett, would require parents to show a government-issued birth certificate -- not a photocopied document -- when enrolling their children in state day care centers.
Duckett's grandmother, Beth Eubank, lives in upstate New York. She believes the law could help authorities find missing children. Eubank hopes the proposed legislation gains the momentum of Megan's Law and the Amber Alert system, which began as state laws but have been adopted nationwide.
Trenton's mother -- and Eubank's adopted daughter -- committed suicide following a contentious interview with CNN Headline News host Nancy Grace about the missing Leesburg boy.
#4
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 31 March 2008 - 04:16 PM
From our friends at the Center for Human Identification: (DNA lab)
http://www.hsc.unt.e...TopStory02.html
New Jersey signs law requiring use of Health Science Center DNA Lab services
A new law in the State of New Jersey aims to identify missing persons through a partnership between New Jersey law enforcement agencies and the UNT Center for Human Identification here on the UNTHSC campus. Patricia’s Law, which passed in January, requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to submit reference DNA samples from family members of people missing more than 30 days to the UNT Center for Human Identification’s DNA lab for analysis and uploading into CODIS. Patricia’s Law is the first of its kind in the country to offer a comprehensive plan for collecting DNA evidence.
The law was signed by New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine at a press conference on Wednesday. Also in attendance were several New Jersey lawmakers, law enforcement representatives and the family of Patricia Viola, for whom the law is named.
Viola was a 42-year-old New Jersey wife and mother who disappeared Feb. 13, 2001. She left her home between 1 and 2:30 pm without identification, keys, credit cards, or her medication. No one knows what happened to her, and she has not yet been found.
Patricia’s Law was born from model legislation designed in 2005 at the first National Strategy Meeting on Identifying the Missing, which brought together federal, state and local law enforcement, medical examiners and coroners, victim's advocates, forensic scientists, key policymakers, and families who have lived through this tragic experience.
ProjectJason.org, a not-for-profit missing persons organization, then called for volunteers in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia to retain a sponsor to support the model missing persons' legislation at the state level. Patricia’s husband, Jim, took on New Jersey, and State Sen. Loretta Weinberg immediately embraced the new proposed legislation, making New Jersey the first state to obtain sponsorship.
http://www.hsc.unt.e...TopStory02.html
New Jersey signs law requiring use of Health Science Center DNA Lab services
A new law in the State of New Jersey aims to identify missing persons through a partnership between New Jersey law enforcement agencies and the UNT Center for Human Identification here on the UNTHSC campus. Patricia’s Law, which passed in January, requires New Jersey law enforcement agencies to submit reference DNA samples from family members of people missing more than 30 days to the UNT Center for Human Identification’s DNA lab for analysis and uploading into CODIS. Patricia’s Law is the first of its kind in the country to offer a comprehensive plan for collecting DNA evidence.
The law was signed by New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine at a press conference on Wednesday. Also in attendance were several New Jersey lawmakers, law enforcement representatives and the family of Patricia Viola, for whom the law is named.
Viola was a 42-year-old New Jersey wife and mother who disappeared Feb. 13, 2001. She left her home between 1 and 2:30 pm without identification, keys, credit cards, or her medication. No one knows what happened to her, and she has not yet been found.
Patricia’s Law was born from model legislation designed in 2005 at the first National Strategy Meeting on Identifying the Missing, which brought together federal, state and local law enforcement, medical examiners and coroners, victim's advocates, forensic scientists, key policymakers, and families who have lived through this tragic experience.
ProjectJason.org, a not-for-profit missing persons organization, then called for volunteers in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia to retain a sponsor to support the model missing persons' legislation at the state level. Patricia’s husband, Jim, took on New Jersey, and State Sen. Loretta Weinberg immediately embraced the new proposed legislation, making New Jersey the first state to obtain sponsorship.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#5
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 14 April 2008 - 10:39 AM
http://www.examiner....268250977.shtml
Crime victims, supporters mark Victim's Rights Week
April 14, 2008
Crime victims, supporters mark Victim's Rights Week
By Rhiannon Ross | rhiannon.ross@examiner.net
The darkened sanctuary glowed with little points of flickering candlelight, held high above the heads of dozens of silent, prayerful bodies.
"Amazing grace, how sweeeet the sound," crooned a quartet of Independence police officers, a cappella. "That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found. Was blind but now I see."
This hymn of redemption kicked off National Crime Victim's Rights Week at the Eastside Baptist Church in Independence Sunday. The national event, sponsored by the National Center for Victims of Crime (www.ncvc.org), seeks to raise public awareness about challenges that victims of violent crime face and to celebrate progress in victims' rights and services.
Tina Porter, of Independence, held two candles in memory of her deceased children Sam and Lindsey, who were murdered more than three years ago by their father Daniel Porter. Behind her, stood Independence resident Bob WitbolsFeugen, whose 18-year-old daughter Anastasia was murdered more than a decade ago by an acquaintance of hers.
The message shared by both Independence and Blue Springs officials during the vigil was the same: Know your neighbors and call the police if you suspect anything out of the ordinary.
"Be conscious of what's around you," advised Independence Mayor Don Reimal. "It's important to have dialogue between the Police Department and citizens."
Newly elected Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross agreed.
"The only way we're going to stop (crime) is by working together," he said.
Both Ross and Independence Police spokesman Tom Gentry asked people to empower themselves by redefining the word "snitch."
"Did (the definition) come from the good side?" asked Gentry, rhetorically. "It came from the dark side. It's just a label so you'd feel shame and not do it."
Following, a group of people stood in line to hug Tina Porter.
"One candle was for Sam and one was for Lindsey," Porter confirmed, her face damp with tears.
Porter said she will continue the work of the Sam and Lindsey Foundation, which in part is to pursue state legislation to protect children from violence. The foundation site is www.samandlindseyporter.org.
The Missouri Legislature is currently reviewing a proposed amendment Porter has pushed that would strengthen penalties to the state's parental kidnapping law. Porter said she also would like to see prior domestic violence arrests be added to ex parte orders and that guidelines for Amber Alerts in different jurisdictions be the same.
WitbolsFeugen said he would like to see the word "victim" redefined so people grieving from loss could heal.
"Because 'victim' is a label," he said.
Pinned to his shirt was a green ribbon bearing the theme of this year's event, "Justice for Victims, Justice for All."
"It's put a new definition on my life," he said. "But I don't know if I've been able to dump the label of victim yet."
State legislation inspired by local families victimized by crime:
# Jake's Law - Requires warrant checks for persons released from police custody.
Catalyst: Jake Robel, age 6, son of Greg and Christy Robel of Independence, was killed Feb. 22, 2000, when he was dragged to death in a carjacking committed by a man released from jail the day of the crime. The car thief, Kim Davis of Kansas City, had warrants out for his arrest in other jurisdictions. Davis was convicted of first degree murder in Jake's death and is serving a life sentence without parole. Former state Rep. Dennis Bonner, D-Independence, sponsored the bill, which became law in 2001.
# Summer Shipp Act - Specifies that law enforcement officers cannot refuse a written report of a missing person, and the law enforcement agency must attempt to gather relevant information regarding the disappearance and reasonably respond to inquiries from the person making the report, a family member, or any other person in a position to assist the agency in locating the missing person. If missing for a period of 30 days, the agency must attempt to obtain DNA samples from family members, an authorization to release dental or skeletal X-rays, additional photographs, dental information, and X-rays or fingerprints of the missing person. Information is then submitted to a national law enforcement database.
Catalyst: Summer Shipp, Kansas City, disappeared in 2004 while doing market research in an Independence neighborhood. Despite an extensive search and investigation by local law enforcement officials and private investigators, it was three years before her remains were found on the banks of the Little Blue River. Her killer has never been found. Shipp's daughter, Brandy Shipp, lobbied for the changes and Blue Springs Rep. Bryan Pratt, R-55th, sponsored the bill, which advanced as far as a hearing in 2007.
# Parental Kidnapping Amendment - Addresses a loophole in the state's parental kidnapping laws by increasing the penalty for parental kidnapping. The amendment was tacked onto a bill that addresses child pornography and cyber crimes targeting children.
Catalyst: Daniel Porter, Independence, was convicted of two counts each of parental kidnapping and traditional kidnapping after failing to return his children, Sam and Lindsey Porter, to their mother Tina Porter, Independence, after a weekend visit in 2004. However, the traditional kidnapping convictions were eventually overturned in court because it was the court's opinion that Daniel Porter had visitation rights for the children. Daniel Porter eventually confessed to killing both children and was sentenced to life in prison. Sens. Victor Callahan, D-Independence; Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City; and Chris Koster, D-Harrisonville, sponsored the amendment. The Missouri Senate recently approved it and it will next go before the House of Representatives for approval in this legislative session.
# Sunshine lawsuit inspired by local families victimized by crime: Independence resident Bob WitbolsFeugen and Karen Turner, Kansas City, waged a four-year legal battle with Jackson County officials over open records/open meetings violations regarding the 1997 shooting death of WitbolsFeugen's 18-year-old daughter, Anastasia. The families were finally able to access the investigative files upon prosecution of his daughter's murderer, Byron Case, in 2002. Case was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Although a judge ruled the county commission was guilty of breaking the Sunshine Law, WitbolsFeugen never recouped $35,000 in legal fees he paid. In 2002, he and Turner were honored with the Sunshine Award by the Missouri Press Association and WitbolsFeugen was asked to help with lobbying efforts in Jefferson City to strengthen the state's open records/open meetings law.
Compiled by Rhiannon Ross
FASTFACT
The National Crime Victim Helpline, 1-800-FYI-CALL, offers direct advocacy, information on available programs and services for victims and referrals to more than 16,000 organizations that serve crime victims throughout the United States.
Crime victims, supporters mark Victim's Rights Week
April 14, 2008
Crime victims, supporters mark Victim's Rights Week
By Rhiannon Ross | rhiannon.ross@examiner.net
The darkened sanctuary glowed with little points of flickering candlelight, held high above the heads of dozens of silent, prayerful bodies.
"Amazing grace, how sweeeet the sound," crooned a quartet of Independence police officers, a cappella. "That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found. Was blind but now I see."
This hymn of redemption kicked off National Crime Victim's Rights Week at the Eastside Baptist Church in Independence Sunday. The national event, sponsored by the National Center for Victims of Crime (www.ncvc.org), seeks to raise public awareness about challenges that victims of violent crime face and to celebrate progress in victims' rights and services.
Tina Porter, of Independence, held two candles in memory of her deceased children Sam and Lindsey, who were murdered more than three years ago by their father Daniel Porter. Behind her, stood Independence resident Bob WitbolsFeugen, whose 18-year-old daughter Anastasia was murdered more than a decade ago by an acquaintance of hers.
The message shared by both Independence and Blue Springs officials during the vigil was the same: Know your neighbors and call the police if you suspect anything out of the ordinary.
"Be conscious of what's around you," advised Independence Mayor Don Reimal. "It's important to have dialogue between the Police Department and citizens."
Newly elected Blue Springs Mayor Carson Ross agreed.
"The only way we're going to stop (crime) is by working together," he said.
Both Ross and Independence Police spokesman Tom Gentry asked people to empower themselves by redefining the word "snitch."
"Did (the definition) come from the good side?" asked Gentry, rhetorically. "It came from the dark side. It's just a label so you'd feel shame and not do it."
Following, a group of people stood in line to hug Tina Porter.
"One candle was for Sam and one was for Lindsey," Porter confirmed, her face damp with tears.
Porter said she will continue the work of the Sam and Lindsey Foundation, which in part is to pursue state legislation to protect children from violence. The foundation site is www.samandlindseyporter.org.
The Missouri Legislature is currently reviewing a proposed amendment Porter has pushed that would strengthen penalties to the state's parental kidnapping law. Porter said she also would like to see prior domestic violence arrests be added to ex parte orders and that guidelines for Amber Alerts in different jurisdictions be the same.
WitbolsFeugen said he would like to see the word "victim" redefined so people grieving from loss could heal.
"Because 'victim' is a label," he said.
Pinned to his shirt was a green ribbon bearing the theme of this year's event, "Justice for Victims, Justice for All."
"It's put a new definition on my life," he said. "But I don't know if I've been able to dump the label of victim yet."
State legislation inspired by local families victimized by crime:
# Jake's Law - Requires warrant checks for persons released from police custody.
Catalyst: Jake Robel, age 6, son of Greg and Christy Robel of Independence, was killed Feb. 22, 2000, when he was dragged to death in a carjacking committed by a man released from jail the day of the crime. The car thief, Kim Davis of Kansas City, had warrants out for his arrest in other jurisdictions. Davis was convicted of first degree murder in Jake's death and is serving a life sentence without parole. Former state Rep. Dennis Bonner, D-Independence, sponsored the bill, which became law in 2001.
# Summer Shipp Act - Specifies that law enforcement officers cannot refuse a written report of a missing person, and the law enforcement agency must attempt to gather relevant information regarding the disappearance and reasonably respond to inquiries from the person making the report, a family member, or any other person in a position to assist the agency in locating the missing person. If missing for a period of 30 days, the agency must attempt to obtain DNA samples from family members, an authorization to release dental or skeletal X-rays, additional photographs, dental information, and X-rays or fingerprints of the missing person. Information is then submitted to a national law enforcement database.
Catalyst: Summer Shipp, Kansas City, disappeared in 2004 while doing market research in an Independence neighborhood. Despite an extensive search and investigation by local law enforcement officials and private investigators, it was three years before her remains were found on the banks of the Little Blue River. Her killer has never been found. Shipp's daughter, Brandy Shipp, lobbied for the changes and Blue Springs Rep. Bryan Pratt, R-55th, sponsored the bill, which advanced as far as a hearing in 2007.
# Parental Kidnapping Amendment - Addresses a loophole in the state's parental kidnapping laws by increasing the penalty for parental kidnapping. The amendment was tacked onto a bill that addresses child pornography and cyber crimes targeting children.
Catalyst: Daniel Porter, Independence, was convicted of two counts each of parental kidnapping and traditional kidnapping after failing to return his children, Sam and Lindsey Porter, to their mother Tina Porter, Independence, after a weekend visit in 2004. However, the traditional kidnapping convictions were eventually overturned in court because it was the court's opinion that Daniel Porter had visitation rights for the children. Daniel Porter eventually confessed to killing both children and was sentenced to life in prison. Sens. Victor Callahan, D-Independence; Jolie Justus, D-Kansas City; and Chris Koster, D-Harrisonville, sponsored the amendment. The Missouri Senate recently approved it and it will next go before the House of Representatives for approval in this legislative session.
# Sunshine lawsuit inspired by local families victimized by crime: Independence resident Bob WitbolsFeugen and Karen Turner, Kansas City, waged a four-year legal battle with Jackson County officials over open records/open meetings violations regarding the 1997 shooting death of WitbolsFeugen's 18-year-old daughter, Anastasia. The families were finally able to access the investigative files upon prosecution of his daughter's murderer, Byron Case, in 2002. Case was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Although a judge ruled the county commission was guilty of breaking the Sunshine Law, WitbolsFeugen never recouped $35,000 in legal fees he paid. In 2002, he and Turner were honored with the Sunshine Award by the Missouri Press Association and WitbolsFeugen was asked to help with lobbying efforts in Jefferson City to strengthen the state's open records/open meetings law.
Compiled by Rhiannon Ross
FASTFACT
The National Crime Victim Helpline, 1-800-FYI-CALL, offers direct advocacy, information on available programs and services for victims and referrals to more than 16,000 organizations that serve crime victims throughout the United States.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#6
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 27 April 2008 - 07:41 AM
My Note: The reporter is incorrect. This bill was originated through Project Jason's Campaign for the Missing, Drew Kesse, volunteer. The bill does NOT expand the age for Amber Alerts, but for assistance in general, and a listing with the state clearinghouse. It has nothing to do with changing the age on Amber Alerts.
http://www.orlandose...,4164805.column
OrlandoSentinel.com
Expand Amber Alerts to age 26, grieving parents of missing daughters urge
George Diaz
COMMENTARY
April 25, 2008
Hilary Sessions has looked at 179 corpses since 1989. The last one was headless.
The smell of formaldehyde and alcohol is overpowering. She catches her breath, and hopes for closure. Could any of them be her daughter Tiffany, missing since Feb. 9, 1989?
Almost 20 years later, the stack of dead bodies has brought her no closer to finding her only child.
"There's always the anticipation that I will have the answer I'm really not looking for but willing to accept," Sessions said.
Sessions still grieves for her daughter, who disappeared while jogging in Gainesville, but her resolve has led her to other places beyond the box of tissues.
She was in Tallahassee on Wednesday, where she met with legislators in a persuasive push to pass a bill sponsored by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs. It would expand the Amber Alert system for missing children to include anyone under age 26, and also require a DNA sample after a child or adult has been missing for more than 90 days. That would spare parents the misery of going to a medical examiner's officer to identify a corpse that may or may not be their missing child.
The measure passed unanimously, 38-0, in the Senate but faces a challenge in the House, where the Democrats and the Republicans are still at odds over a contentious standoff a week ago in which chambers went into lockdown mode while each bill on the agenda was read in full.
Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, has joined other legislators who are trying to stop the partisan nonsense and get the bill passed.
Tragedy doesn't discriminate along party lines. It shouldn't require the collaborative testimony of three broken hearts, either.
Sessions was joined on her emotional journey to the Capitol by Drew and Joyce Kesse. Their daughter Jennifer vanished near her south Orlando apartment a little more than two years ago and remains missing.
Their stories are of desperation and despair, of leads that have gone nowhere, of psychics and police interrogations of violent criminals in jail, of tearful pleas on national and local television and stacks of fliers offering clues and rewards.
Quick response time is vital in any missing-person case. Less than 3 percent get back home alive after they've been missing for more than three hours.
And because Tiffany and Jennifer were older than 18, their disappearances were met with some skepticism. "Are you sure she ran away? Is she with her boyfriend?" The Kesses had to press law-enforcement officials to file a missing-person report.
This bill would require that information on a missing person be sent out within two hours after a report has been filed. There isn't time to waste. Assuming that the missing person would be found in their own state would be short-sighted, strengthening the need for a bill that addresses the national scope and urgency of these situations. A national database documented 110,484 active missing-person cases in December 2006.
"We would drive to the ends of the earth if this bill would have helped either of our girls," Joyce Kesse said. "We continue to pray for the miracle of . . . ," she said, pausing for a moment, "reunion with her family. But if that's not meant to be, Jennifer still deserves to be found."
Maybe the best these families can hope for is clarity. Finding the truth may be painful, but it's better than the alternative: looking at another corpse, and walking away once again without finding the answer to that torturous mystery.
http://www.orlandose...,4164805.column
OrlandoSentinel.com
Expand Amber Alerts to age 26, grieving parents of missing daughters urge
George Diaz
COMMENTARY
April 25, 2008
Hilary Sessions has looked at 179 corpses since 1989. The last one was headless.
The smell of formaldehyde and alcohol is overpowering. She catches her breath, and hopes for closure. Could any of them be her daughter Tiffany, missing since Feb. 9, 1989?
Almost 20 years later, the stack of dead bodies has brought her no closer to finding her only child.
"There's always the anticipation that I will have the answer I'm really not looking for but willing to accept," Sessions said.
Sessions still grieves for her daughter, who disappeared while jogging in Gainesville, but her resolve has led her to other places beyond the box of tissues.
She was in Tallahassee on Wednesday, where she met with legislators in a persuasive push to pass a bill sponsored by Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs. It would expand the Amber Alert system for missing children to include anyone under age 26, and also require a DNA sample after a child or adult has been missing for more than 90 days. That would spare parents the misery of going to a medical examiner's officer to identify a corpse that may or may not be their missing child.
The measure passed unanimously, 38-0, in the Senate but faces a challenge in the House, where the Democrats and the Republicans are still at odds over a contentious standoff a week ago in which chambers went into lockdown mode while each bill on the agenda was read in full.
Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, has joined other legislators who are trying to stop the partisan nonsense and get the bill passed.
Tragedy doesn't discriminate along party lines. It shouldn't require the collaborative testimony of three broken hearts, either.
Sessions was joined on her emotional journey to the Capitol by Drew and Joyce Kesse. Their daughter Jennifer vanished near her south Orlando apartment a little more than two years ago and remains missing.
Their stories are of desperation and despair, of leads that have gone nowhere, of psychics and police interrogations of violent criminals in jail, of tearful pleas on national and local television and stacks of fliers offering clues and rewards.
Quick response time is vital in any missing-person case. Less than 3 percent get back home alive after they've been missing for more than three hours.
And because Tiffany and Jennifer were older than 18, their disappearances were met with some skepticism. "Are you sure she ran away? Is she with her boyfriend?" The Kesses had to press law-enforcement officials to file a missing-person report.
This bill would require that information on a missing person be sent out within two hours after a report has been filed. There isn't time to waste. Assuming that the missing person would be found in their own state would be short-sighted, strengthening the need for a bill that addresses the national scope and urgency of these situations. A national database documented 110,484 active missing-person cases in December 2006.
"We would drive to the ends of the earth if this bill would have helped either of our girls," Joyce Kesse said. "We continue to pray for the miracle of . . . ," she said, pausing for a moment, "reunion with her family. But if that's not meant to be, Jennifer still deserves to be found."
Maybe the best these families can hope for is clarity. Finding the truth may be painful, but it's better than the alternative: looking at another corpse, and walking away once again without finding the answer to that torturous mystery.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#7
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 27 April 2008 - 08:26 AM
My Note: This law was passed as a part of Project Jason's Campaign for the Missing.
http://www.salem-new...ics_4-23-08.php
Apr-23-2008 11:46
New Oregon Law Allows Use of DNA in Missing Person Cases
Salem-News.com
An April 2008 check of the Law Enforcement Data System showed 1,379 missing person records, police hope the new law will bring that number down.
(PORTLAND, Ore.) - "Missing" - one of those words that definitely perks our interest, but it can be frightening when used regarding a loved one.
An amendment to Oregon's Missing Person law will help families who have missing relatives by adding the tool of DNA analysis to the investigation through providing an important DNA sample that may be useful when a relative is missing, making it easier to identify a loved one's remains when they are found.
Effective since the 1st of Jamuary, Senate Bill 351, the New Missing Persons Law, provides that if a person has been reported as missing, and has not been located within 30 days after the missing person report is made, the investigating law enforcement agency shall attempt to obtain a DNA sample for the missing person.
Susan Hormann, DNA Supervisor at the Oregon State Police Portland Forensic Laboratory, noted that the DNA for a missing person investigation can be collected a couple ways. The first is to collect items that were used only by the missing person such as a tooth brush, razor, lipstick or a medical specimen preserved at a hospital.
The second is to collect oral swabs from family members; a simple and painless process by swabbing the inside cheek of their mouth for about 10 – 15 seconds.
A special DNA collection kit called a Family Reference Standard Kit (FRS) contains the swabs, gloves and paperwork needed to collect the DNA from family members.
The FRS kits are supplied free from the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (UNT CHI), and over 4,800 kits have been sent to Oregon law enforcement agencies to assist in collecting DNA samples related to missing person investigations.
The collected samples will be sent to UNT CHI where the DNA will be analyzed at a state-of-the-art facility, federally funded to offer free DNA analysis of the FRS and unidentified remains. Results are put in a National DNA database of family members of missing persons.
"The success of this law will depend on police training, public awareness and on the number of families that come forward and give FRS samples," said Hormann.
"Medical examiners and forensic scientists encourage families who have missing relatives to come forward even if the person has been missing for many years because the DNA technology is able to verify remains that are very old."
When unidentified remains are found, the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office must initially examine them to determine if they are able to identify the person. They first use investigative processes such as dental record comparisons, patient medical history, and personal effects, to identify remains.
If unidentified after these processes, the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office will decide if the remains will be sent to UNT CHI for DNA analysis. At UNT CHI the remains will be analyzed using two types of DNA analysis and the results will be entered into the National database for unidentified remains.
When a computer program is run comparing the National database of family reference samples to the unidentified remains database, it is looking for matches indicating a genetic relationship that the relatives would share. When a match is identified, the agencies that submitted the FRS and the unidentified remains will both be notified.
This program has the capabilities to identify newly recovered remains and remains that have been in storage for years at medical examiner facilities across the country.
"Theoretically, a family who is missing a relative in Oregon could find that their loved one was found in New York. The distance has been a problem when investigating these cases and never before has a resource utilizing DNA been available to assist in the closure of these cases," Hormann said.
An April 2008 check of the Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) showed 1,379 missing person records. Those listed as missing include:
* 6 people missing and believed to be the victim of a disaster.
* 59 people missing of any age with a proven physical/mental disability, or who is senile, thereby subjecting himself/herself or others to immediate danger.
* 292 people of any age missing under circumstances indicating his/her physical safety may be in danger.
* 113 people of any age that is missing under circumstances indicating that the disappearance was not voluntary.
* 821 juveniles who are missing and do not qualify for entry in any other the above other categories.
* 19 people missing whose circumstances do not fit into any other category.
Since January 2008, LEDS sends out a message to police agencies with a missing person record between 30 and 60 days old as a reminder to help seek a request for a DNA sample. According to Keith Kohan, LEDS Unit Manager, the reminder program is helping.
"When we first implemented the program back in January, the response from agencies was 100 percent positive," said Kohan.
"We received many thanks from agencies who are trying to figure out how they could best comply with this new law in an organized and responsible fashion, and this new program is helping do that."
Since more than half of the missing person LEDS entries involve juveniles, the Oregon State Police Missing Children Clearinghouse (MCC) emphasizes to parents to be proactive by preparing an identification kit and keep it in their home so it could be available during the first hours a child is missing. The MCC provides free child identification kit that includes an area for a picture, fingerprints, dental records, physical information, and a DNA sample.
Funding for the kits is provided each year from the proceeds of an annual golf benefit tournament. Since 1999, the clearinghouse has been able to purchase over 125,000 ID kits that have been distributed throughout Oregon. To order a kit, please call 503-934-0188 or toll free outside Salem at 1-800-282-7155. You may also email your request to judy.hayes@state.or.us. Kits may be ordered individually or in limited quantities for community and service groups, clubs, and schools. More information about the Missing Children's Clearinghouse is available on our website at:
oregon.gov/OSP/MCC/index.shtml
Source: Oregon State Police
http://www.salem-new...ics_4-23-08.php
Apr-23-2008 11:46
New Oregon Law Allows Use of DNA in Missing Person Cases
Salem-News.com
An April 2008 check of the Law Enforcement Data System showed 1,379 missing person records, police hope the new law will bring that number down.
(PORTLAND, Ore.) - "Missing" - one of those words that definitely perks our interest, but it can be frightening when used regarding a loved one.
An amendment to Oregon's Missing Person law will help families who have missing relatives by adding the tool of DNA analysis to the investigation through providing an important DNA sample that may be useful when a relative is missing, making it easier to identify a loved one's remains when they are found.
Effective since the 1st of Jamuary, Senate Bill 351, the New Missing Persons Law, provides that if a person has been reported as missing, and has not been located within 30 days after the missing person report is made, the investigating law enforcement agency shall attempt to obtain a DNA sample for the missing person.
Susan Hormann, DNA Supervisor at the Oregon State Police Portland Forensic Laboratory, noted that the DNA for a missing person investigation can be collected a couple ways. The first is to collect items that were used only by the missing person such as a tooth brush, razor, lipstick or a medical specimen preserved at a hospital.
The second is to collect oral swabs from family members; a simple and painless process by swabbing the inside cheek of their mouth for about 10 – 15 seconds.
A special DNA collection kit called a Family Reference Standard Kit (FRS) contains the swabs, gloves and paperwork needed to collect the DNA from family members.
The FRS kits are supplied free from the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification (UNT CHI), and over 4,800 kits have been sent to Oregon law enforcement agencies to assist in collecting DNA samples related to missing person investigations.
The collected samples will be sent to UNT CHI where the DNA will be analyzed at a state-of-the-art facility, federally funded to offer free DNA analysis of the FRS and unidentified remains. Results are put in a National DNA database of family members of missing persons.
"The success of this law will depend on police training, public awareness and on the number of families that come forward and give FRS samples," said Hormann.
"Medical examiners and forensic scientists encourage families who have missing relatives to come forward even if the person has been missing for many years because the DNA technology is able to verify remains that are very old."
When unidentified remains are found, the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office must initially examine them to determine if they are able to identify the person. They first use investigative processes such as dental record comparisons, patient medical history, and personal effects, to identify remains.
If unidentified after these processes, the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office will decide if the remains will be sent to UNT CHI for DNA analysis. At UNT CHI the remains will be analyzed using two types of DNA analysis and the results will be entered into the National database for unidentified remains.
When a computer program is run comparing the National database of family reference samples to the unidentified remains database, it is looking for matches indicating a genetic relationship that the relatives would share. When a match is identified, the agencies that submitted the FRS and the unidentified remains will both be notified.
This program has the capabilities to identify newly recovered remains and remains that have been in storage for years at medical examiner facilities across the country.
"Theoretically, a family who is missing a relative in Oregon could find that their loved one was found in New York. The distance has been a problem when investigating these cases and never before has a resource utilizing DNA been available to assist in the closure of these cases," Hormann said.
An April 2008 check of the Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) showed 1,379 missing person records. Those listed as missing include:
* 6 people missing and believed to be the victim of a disaster.
* 59 people missing of any age with a proven physical/mental disability, or who is senile, thereby subjecting himself/herself or others to immediate danger.
* 292 people of any age missing under circumstances indicating his/her physical safety may be in danger.
* 113 people of any age that is missing under circumstances indicating that the disappearance was not voluntary.
* 821 juveniles who are missing and do not qualify for entry in any other the above other categories.
* 19 people missing whose circumstances do not fit into any other category.
Since January 2008, LEDS sends out a message to police agencies with a missing person record between 30 and 60 days old as a reminder to help seek a request for a DNA sample. According to Keith Kohan, LEDS Unit Manager, the reminder program is helping.
"When we first implemented the program back in January, the response from agencies was 100 percent positive," said Kohan.
"We received many thanks from agencies who are trying to figure out how they could best comply with this new law in an organized and responsible fashion, and this new program is helping do that."
Since more than half of the missing person LEDS entries involve juveniles, the Oregon State Police Missing Children Clearinghouse (MCC) emphasizes to parents to be proactive by preparing an identification kit and keep it in their home so it could be available during the first hours a child is missing. The MCC provides free child identification kit that includes an area for a picture, fingerprints, dental records, physical information, and a DNA sample.
Funding for the kits is provided each year from the proceeds of an annual golf benefit tournament. Since 1999, the clearinghouse has been able to purchase over 125,000 ID kits that have been distributed throughout Oregon. To order a kit, please call 503-934-0188 or toll free outside Salem at 1-800-282-7155. You may also email your request to judy.hayes@state.or.us. Kits may be ordered individually or in limited quantities for community and service groups, clubs, and schools. More information about the Missing Children's Clearinghouse is available on our website at:
oregon.gov/OSP/MCC/index.shtml
Source: Oregon State Police
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#8
Linda
Linda
-
- Guests
Posted 03 May 2008 - 02:25 PM
http://www.wesh.com/...675/detail.html
House Passes Kesse Bill
May 3, 2008
The parents of a missing Orlando woman helped to change the state laws regarding missing adults.
Jennifer Kesse has been missing for more than two years; her parents worked with Florida House of Representatives to create a bill intended to help future missing adults.
The house passed a bill on Friday requiring law enforcement to send out alerts within two hours for any missing person under the age of 25.
The cutoff use to be 18 and as a result, it did not apply when Kesse went missing.
The bill is named for Kesse and Tiffany Sessions, who vanished from the University of Florida 18 years ago.
The bill still requires the governor’s signature..
-----------------------
*Note from Kelly*
Congratulations to Drew and Joyce Kesse, Jennifer's parents, and all who helped pass this bill, a part of Project Jason's Campaign for the Missing.
Media, in some cases, seems to be misunderstanding the bill, some even stating it extends the age on the Amber Alert and/or causes an alert to be issued in all cases, which is incorrect. Here are some highlights of the bill.
Basic Summary:
An act relating to missing persons; amending s. 937.021, F.S.; requiring law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies and procedures to be used when investigating missing person reports; requiring law enforcement agencies to submit information to specified databases; providing immunity from civil liability for certain persons involving such reports; requiring that a law enforcement agency obtain a DNA sample after a person has been missing
more than 90 days; requiring the Department of Law Enforcement to adopt rules; amending s. 937.022, F.S.;renaming the Missing Children Information Clearinghouse the "Missing Children and Persons Information Clearinghouse"; requiring the clearinghouse to collect and process information regarding missing children, missing persons younger than 26 years of age, and missing persons suspected by a law enforcement agency of being in danger or a victim of criminal activity; providing definitions; providing an effective date.
Highlights:
LE must have written procedures regarding the proper investigation of cases, use of available resources, and monthy review of cases.
Missing persons must be entered into the NCIC and the FL CIC databases within 2 hours.
When a person has been missing for 90 days, DNA may be obtained from the person's belongings or the appropriate biological family members. LE can obtain DNA before the 90 days if need be.
The state clearinghouse shall now also include information about missing persons through age 25, and any missing person LE considered to be engandered or a victim of criminal activity. LE is required to report information about these cases to the state clearinghouse.
FL LE shall establish a means to communicate case information about the case types as noted above.
LE is encouraged to transmit information about the above missing person case types to media and other interested parties who may be on the same distribution list as those on the Amber Alert list. Any person on this list who complies with the request cannot be held liable for any damages in complying with the request to disseminate this information.
The last point and second point above are the ones which seems to confuse some media into thinking the bill extends the age of Amber Alerts and/or causes an alert to be issued in all cases. As you can see, it does not.
You can read the full text of the bill here: http://www.flsenate....t/pdf/s0502.pdf
House Passes Kesse Bill
May 3, 2008
The parents of a missing Orlando woman helped to change the state laws regarding missing adults.
Jennifer Kesse has been missing for more than two years; her parents worked with Florida House of Representatives to create a bill intended to help future missing adults.
The house passed a bill on Friday requiring law enforcement to send out alerts within two hours for any missing person under the age of 25.
The cutoff use to be 18 and as a result, it did not apply when Kesse went missing.
The bill is named for Kesse and Tiffany Sessions, who vanished from the University of Florida 18 years ago.
The bill still requires the governor’s signature..
-----------------------
*Note from Kelly*
Congratulations to Drew and Joyce Kesse, Jennifer's parents, and all who helped pass this bill, a part of Project Jason's Campaign for the Missing.
Media, in some cases, seems to be misunderstanding the bill, some even stating it extends the age on the Amber Alert and/or causes an alert to be issued in all cases, which is incorrect. Here are some highlights of the bill.
Basic Summary:
An act relating to missing persons; amending s. 937.021, F.S.; requiring law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies and procedures to be used when investigating missing person reports; requiring law enforcement agencies to submit information to specified databases; providing immunity from civil liability for certain persons involving such reports; requiring that a law enforcement agency obtain a DNA sample after a person has been missing
more than 90 days; requiring the Department of Law Enforcement to adopt rules; amending s. 937.022, F.S.;renaming the Missing Children Information Clearinghouse the "Missing Children and Persons Information Clearinghouse"; requiring the clearinghouse to collect and process information regarding missing children, missing persons younger than 26 years of age, and missing persons suspected by a law enforcement agency of being in danger or a victim of criminal activity; providing definitions; providing an effective date.
Highlights:
LE must have written procedures regarding the proper investigation of cases, use of available resources, and monthy review of cases.
Missing persons must be entered into the NCIC and the FL CIC databases within 2 hours.
When a person has been missing for 90 days, DNA may be obtained from the person's belongings or the appropriate biological family members. LE can obtain DNA before the 90 days if need be.
The state clearinghouse shall now also include information about missing persons through age 25, and any missing person LE considered to be engandered or a victim of criminal activity. LE is required to report information about these cases to the state clearinghouse.
FL LE shall establish a means to communicate case information about the case types as noted above.
LE is encouraged to transmit information about the above missing person case types to media and other interested parties who may be on the same distribution list as those on the Amber Alert list. Any person on this list who complies with the request cannot be held liable for any damages in complying with the request to disseminate this information.
The last point and second point above are the ones which seems to confuse some media into thinking the bill extends the age of Amber Alerts and/or causes an alert to be issued in all cases. As you can see, it does not.
You can read the full text of the bill here: http://www.flsenate....t/pdf/s0502.pdf
#9
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 09 November 2008 - 06:52 PM
http://www.rimcountr...news&Itemid=102
AZ Statewide Endangered Person Alert system will start in November
Thursday, 06 November 2008
The new Arizona Endangered Person Alert system will notify the public when an adult suffering from a significant health problem or a medically-diagnosed disability (such as Alzheimer’s disease) goes missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
“The Endangered Person Alert system will provide critical protections for Arizona’s vulnerable adults," said Terry Goddard, attorney general. "This new statewide resource will provide greater security and peace of mind to families caring for loved ones with dementia and other serious health problems. I appreciate the partnership of the Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Broadcasters Association, which made this alert system possible.â€
The alert is a voluntary collaboration between law enforcement and broadcasters statewide. It employs an existing DPS media notification system and therefore creates no additional costs to state or local agencies.
"This new alert procedure will expedite the recovery of missing adults. It provides clear criteria to law enforcement and gives broadcasters the tools to protect the most vulnerable members of their communities,†said Art Brooks, president of the Arizona broadcaster's Association.
The Endangered Person Alert will be initiated by the Department of Public Safety when local first responders determine that providing information to the public could assist in the safe recovery of a missing person. Criteria for issuing an alert include:
Is the missing person 18 years old or older?
Is the person missing under unexplained, involuntary or suspicious circumstances?
Is the person believed to be in danger of death or serious injury because of health, a medically diagnosed mental or physical disability, hazardous environmental or weather conditions, being in the company of a potentially dangerous person or facing some other factor that may put him/her in peril?
Has the incident been reported to a law enforcement agency?
If these criteria are met, local first responders handling the case may contact DPS to initiate an alert. Through its media notification system, DPS will provide information about the individual and the circumstances of his/her disappearance to radio and television broadcasters as well as local businesses.
This new system is another excellent example of the partnership between the Arizona Broadcasters Association and law enforcement,†Roger Vanderpoll , DPS director said.
“As we’ve seen in many cases, getting a missing person’s description out to the media makes a huge difference in resolving a case," he added.
Like the Amber Alert system for missing children, the Endangered Person Alert relies on community members to assist in finding individuals who have gone missing and are believed to be in danger. There are significant differences, however, between the two systems. The Endangered Person Alert relies on broadcasters to voluntarily provide information to their audiences. Freeway signs will not be activated foran Endangered Person Alert.
Additionally, Endangered Person Alerts will be tailored to the circumstances of each case, and search information can be targeted at specific areas. For example, an alert about an individual who goes missing while walking will be targeted to broadcasters in the local vicinity. An alert for an individual who disappears while driving will be provided to broadcasters in a much larger region, as the driver has the potential to travel a long distance in a short period of time.
The Endangered Person Alert system was developed by a statewide committee of law enforcement and senior advocacy groups, including the Attorney General’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Broadcasters’ Association, Adult Protective Services, AARP and the Arizona Alzheimer’s Association. It will go into use in early November.
A fact sheet on the Endangered Person Alert system is available on the Attorney General’s Web site, www.azag.gov.
AZ Statewide Endangered Person Alert system will start in November
Thursday, 06 November 2008
The new Arizona Endangered Person Alert system will notify the public when an adult suffering from a significant health problem or a medically-diagnosed disability (such as Alzheimer’s disease) goes missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
“The Endangered Person Alert system will provide critical protections for Arizona’s vulnerable adults," said Terry Goddard, attorney general. "This new statewide resource will provide greater security and peace of mind to families caring for loved ones with dementia and other serious health problems. I appreciate the partnership of the Department of Public Safety and the Arizona Broadcasters Association, which made this alert system possible.â€
The alert is a voluntary collaboration between law enforcement and broadcasters statewide. It employs an existing DPS media notification system and therefore creates no additional costs to state or local agencies.
"This new alert procedure will expedite the recovery of missing adults. It provides clear criteria to law enforcement and gives broadcasters the tools to protect the most vulnerable members of their communities,†said Art Brooks, president of the Arizona broadcaster's Association.
The Endangered Person Alert will be initiated by the Department of Public Safety when local first responders determine that providing information to the public could assist in the safe recovery of a missing person. Criteria for issuing an alert include:
Is the missing person 18 years old or older?
Is the person missing under unexplained, involuntary or suspicious circumstances?
Is the person believed to be in danger of death or serious injury because of health, a medically diagnosed mental or physical disability, hazardous environmental or weather conditions, being in the company of a potentially dangerous person or facing some other factor that may put him/her in peril?
Has the incident been reported to a law enforcement agency?
If these criteria are met, local first responders handling the case may contact DPS to initiate an alert. Through its media notification system, DPS will provide information about the individual and the circumstances of his/her disappearance to radio and television broadcasters as well as local businesses.
This new system is another excellent example of the partnership between the Arizona Broadcasters Association and law enforcement,†Roger Vanderpoll , DPS director said.
“As we’ve seen in many cases, getting a missing person’s description out to the media makes a huge difference in resolving a case," he added.
Like the Amber Alert system for missing children, the Endangered Person Alert relies on community members to assist in finding individuals who have gone missing and are believed to be in danger. There are significant differences, however, between the two systems. The Endangered Person Alert relies on broadcasters to voluntarily provide information to their audiences. Freeway signs will not be activated foran Endangered Person Alert.
Additionally, Endangered Person Alerts will be tailored to the circumstances of each case, and search information can be targeted at specific areas. For example, an alert about an individual who goes missing while walking will be targeted to broadcasters in the local vicinity. An alert for an individual who disappears while driving will be provided to broadcasters in a much larger region, as the driver has the potential to travel a long distance in a short period of time.
The Endangered Person Alert system was developed by a statewide committee of law enforcement and senior advocacy groups, including the Attorney General’s Office, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Broadcasters’ Association, Adult Protective Services, AARP and the Arizona Alzheimer’s Association. It will go into use in early November.
A fact sheet on the Endangered Person Alert system is available on the Attorney General’s Web site, www.azag.gov.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#10
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 22 January 2009 - 07:47 PM
From our friends in Inidiana who are still working on improvement there:
Indiana House of Representatives – News and Information
Media Office
Democratic Caucus
Reesa Kossoff,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 22, 2009
CHEATHAM ADVANCES MISSING PERSONS PROTECTION
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee today advanced a measure authored by State Rep. Dave Cheatham (D-North Vernon) that would expand efforts to locate missing persons within Indiana’s borders.
Cheatham’s House Bill 1116 expands upon “Molly’s Lawâ€, a groundbreaking measure the legislator authored in 2007 in response to the disappearance of Madison native, Molly Dattilo. The law requires law enforcement agencies to respond immediately to a high risk missing persons case.
The lawmaker’s new bill would require law enforcement officers to submit information regarding any missing person to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) no later than two hours after a report is filed. The NCIC is a computerized index of criminal justice information available to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Presently, the law requires that missing person information be provided only if the person is a child or “high risk†adult.
“We should not legislate reporting requirements on an arbitrary definition of what is considered a ‘high risk’ missing person,†Cheatham said. “If we give each missing persons case the attention it deserves, we have a better chance of returning these people safely to their families.â€
If they feel it could help the investigation, a law enforcement agency could also alert out-of-state agencies and/or request assistance from the state police.
“Had these measures been in place when Molly Dattilo disappeared, we might still have her with us today,†Cheatham said. “I’m pleased that the committee endorsed this measure by a unanimous vote, and look forward to continued discussion as the bill moves through the legislative process.â€
House Bill 1116 now moves to the House floor for consideration.
Indiana House of Representatives – News and Information
Media Office
Democratic Caucus
Reesa Kossoff,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 22, 2009
CHEATHAM ADVANCES MISSING PERSONS PROTECTION
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee today advanced a measure authored by State Rep. Dave Cheatham (D-North Vernon) that would expand efforts to locate missing persons within Indiana’s borders.
Cheatham’s House Bill 1116 expands upon “Molly’s Lawâ€, a groundbreaking measure the legislator authored in 2007 in response to the disappearance of Madison native, Molly Dattilo. The law requires law enforcement agencies to respond immediately to a high risk missing persons case.
The lawmaker’s new bill would require law enforcement officers to submit information regarding any missing person to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) no later than two hours after a report is filed. The NCIC is a computerized index of criminal justice information available to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Presently, the law requires that missing person information be provided only if the person is a child or “high risk†adult.
“We should not legislate reporting requirements on an arbitrary definition of what is considered a ‘high risk’ missing person,†Cheatham said. “If we give each missing persons case the attention it deserves, we have a better chance of returning these people safely to their families.â€
If they feel it could help the investigation, a law enforcement agency could also alert out-of-state agencies and/or request assistance from the state police.
“Had these measures been in place when Molly Dattilo disappeared, we might still have her with us today,†Cheatham said. “I’m pleased that the committee endorsed this measure by a unanimous vote, and look forward to continued discussion as the bill moves through the legislative process.â€
House Bill 1116 now moves to the House floor for consideration.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#11
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 30 April 2009 - 05:47 PM
http://www.bemidjipi...gislative_tag=1
Brandon law OK'd
Senators added their approval to changing the state's missing persons law to provide quicker law enforcement organization response when young adults disappear.
"This is about speeding up filing missing persons reports," Sen. Dennis Frederickson, R-New Ulm, said.
Several 18- to 21-year-old Minnesotans have gone missing, but law enforcement agencies often rely on a state law that does not require immediate investigation in missing adult cases.
Senators approved the measure 62-0 with a minor amendment to a House-passed version. Gov. Tim Pawlenty is expected to sign the measure.
The law is named after Brandon Swanson, who disappeared in southwestern Minnesota.
Brandon law OK'd
Senators added their approval to changing the state's missing persons law to provide quicker law enforcement organization response when young adults disappear.
"This is about speeding up filing missing persons reports," Sen. Dennis Frederickson, R-New Ulm, said.
Several 18- to 21-year-old Minnesotans have gone missing, but law enforcement agencies often rely on a state law that does not require immediate investigation in missing adult cases.
Senators approved the measure 62-0 with a minor amendment to a House-passed version. Gov. Tim Pawlenty is expected to sign the measure.
The law is named after Brandon Swanson, who disappeared in southwestern Minnesota.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#12
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 07 May 2009 - 03:28 PM
http://www.startribu...GEP7vDEh7P:DiUs
Pawlenty to sign "Brandon's Law" today
By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune
Last update: May 7, 2009 - 10:10 AM
Gov. Tim Pawlenty will hold a ceremonial bill signing today of "Brandon's Law," which expands the state's missing children's law to include adults who are missing and potentially endangered.
The law is named for Brandon Swanson, 19, who has been missing since last May, when his car went into a ditch in southwestern Minnesota.
His parents, Brian and Annette Swanson, began pushing for a change in the law after frustrating encounters with law enforcement officials, who explained to them that adults generally have a right to be missing.
"But don't tell me that without finding out the circumstances first," Annette Swanson said in the midst of lobbying for the law earlier this spring.
It was sponsored by House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and requires authorities to take missing persons reports "without delay," and conduct preliminary investigations to see if fears appear founded.
The law would accelerate law enforcement's response if a missing person is considered "endangered." That includes situations in which the missing person needs medical attention, when the disappearance clearly wasn't voluntary or occurred in dangerous circumstances.
Minnesota is following the lead of several other states that already have bolstered their laws to find missing senior citizens and young adults.
The Swansons, their daughter, Jamine and Seifert will attend the 2 p.m. signing ceremony.
Also attending will be David and Linda Francis and their two daughters. Their son, Jon, a 24-year-old from Stillwater, disappeared on July 15, 2006, while hiking in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. His remains were found more than a year later.
Pawlenty to sign "Brandon's Law" today
By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune
Last update: May 7, 2009 - 10:10 AM
Gov. Tim Pawlenty will hold a ceremonial bill signing today of "Brandon's Law," which expands the state's missing children's law to include adults who are missing and potentially endangered.
The law is named for Brandon Swanson, 19, who has been missing since last May, when his car went into a ditch in southwestern Minnesota.
His parents, Brian and Annette Swanson, began pushing for a change in the law after frustrating encounters with law enforcement officials, who explained to them that adults generally have a right to be missing.
"But don't tell me that without finding out the circumstances first," Annette Swanson said in the midst of lobbying for the law earlier this spring.
It was sponsored by House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and requires authorities to take missing persons reports "without delay," and conduct preliminary investigations to see if fears appear founded.
The law would accelerate law enforcement's response if a missing person is considered "endangered." That includes situations in which the missing person needs medical attention, when the disappearance clearly wasn't voluntary or occurred in dangerous circumstances.
Minnesota is following the lead of several other states that already have bolstered their laws to find missing senior citizens and young adults.
The Swansons, their daughter, Jamine and Seifert will attend the 2 p.m. signing ceremony.
Also attending will be David and Linda Francis and their two daughters. Their son, Jon, a 24-year-old from Stillwater, disappeared on July 15, 2006, while hiking in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. His remains were found more than a year later.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#13
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 07 May 2009 - 03:30 PM
http://www.gateline....story/3999.html
Kilmer’s endangered missing persons bill signed into law
Gateway staff report
Published: 12:43PM April 15th, 2009
OLYMPIA — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, to enhance procedures for dealing with endangered missing persons was signed into law last week by Gov. Christine Gregoire.
“One of the most important roles the state plays is working to protect all citizens — particularly the most vulnerable,†Kilmer said. “I believe this proposal will be an important step in the right direction.â€
While the state’s Amber Alert system has been effective for finding abducted children, law enforcement agencies and others raised the need for developing protocols for recovering missing seniors, people with disabilities and other vulnerable people.
Kilmer was made aware of the need for this after he was contacted by a constituent whose mother went missing last year.
“Each of us can imagine the pain caused by a missing loved one,†Kilmer said. “Working with law enforcement, we’ve found some opportunities to provide additional protections to other vulnerable citizens in our state.
Kilmer worked with the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Association of Broadcasters to draft Senate Bill 5012, which directs the state patrol to develop and implement an “Endangered Missing Persons Plan†for voluntary cooperation between local, state, tribal and other law enforcement agencies, state governmental agencies, radio and television stations, and cable and satellite systems to enhance the public’s ability to assist in more quickly and effectively recovering vulnerable people who have gone missing.
The bill passed the House and Senate with unanimous support.
Kilmer’s endangered missing persons bill signed into law
Gateway staff report
Published: 12:43PM April 15th, 2009
OLYMPIA — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, to enhance procedures for dealing with endangered missing persons was signed into law last week by Gov. Christine Gregoire.
“One of the most important roles the state plays is working to protect all citizens — particularly the most vulnerable,†Kilmer said. “I believe this proposal will be an important step in the right direction.â€
While the state’s Amber Alert system has been effective for finding abducted children, law enforcement agencies and others raised the need for developing protocols for recovering missing seniors, people with disabilities and other vulnerable people.
Kilmer was made aware of the need for this after he was contacted by a constituent whose mother went missing last year.
“Each of us can imagine the pain caused by a missing loved one,†Kilmer said. “Working with law enforcement, we’ve found some opportunities to provide additional protections to other vulnerable citizens in our state.
Kilmer worked with the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Association of Broadcasters to draft Senate Bill 5012, which directs the state patrol to develop and implement an “Endangered Missing Persons Plan†for voluntary cooperation between local, state, tribal and other law enforcement agencies, state governmental agencies, radio and television stations, and cable and satellite systems to enhance the public’s ability to assist in more quickly and effectively recovering vulnerable people who have gone missing.
The bill passed the House and Senate with unanimous support.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#14
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 08 May 2009 - 09:51 AM
http://www.startribu...e/44526662.html
Adults added to missing children's law
Gov. Pawlenty signed 'Brandon's Law,' which is meant to expedite response when loved ones of any age disappear.
By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune
5/8/09
Gov. Tim Pawlenty held a ceremonial bill-signing Thursday of "Brandon's Law," which expands the state's missing children's law to include adults who are missing and potentially endangered.
The law is named for Brandon Swanson, 19, who has been missing since last May, when his car went into a ditch in southwestern Minnesota.
"We're here to lend our voice to recommit Minnesota, and, I hope, others around the country, that [law enforcement] will respond as robustly as possible when people are missing," Pawlenty said.
Swanson's parents, Brian and Annette, began pushing for a change in the law after frustrating encounters with law enforcement officials, who explained to them that adults generally have a right to be missing.
"But don't tell me that without finding out the circumstances first," Annette Swanson said in the midst of lobbying for the law this spring.
"This is a bittersweet moment for us," she said Thursday. "I would never want to be here ... but I want to make a difference for other people."
The law, which takes effect July 1, was sponsored by House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and requires authorities to take missing persons reports "without delay" and conduct preliminary investigations to see if fears appear founded.
The law would accelerate law enforcement's response if a missing person is considered "endangered." That includes situations in which the missing person needs medical attention, when the disappearance clearly wasn't voluntary or occurred in dangerous circumstances.
"No family should have to endure the additional heartache ... of a slow or inadequate response," Pawlenty said.
Minnesota is following the lead of other states that already have bolstered their laws to find missing senior citizens and young adults.
The Swansons, their daughter, Jamine, and Seifert attended the signing ceremony. Also attending were David and Linda Francis and their two daughters. Their son, Jon, a 24-year-old from Stillwater, disappeared on July 15, 2006, while hiking in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. His remains were found more than a year later.
Note: Brandon's Law is a part of Project Jason's Campaign for the Missing, a nationwide grassroots effort to pass procedural laws in each state regarding missing and unidentified persons.
Adults added to missing children's law
Gov. Pawlenty signed 'Brandon's Law,' which is meant to expedite response when loved ones of any age disappear.
By BOB VON STERNBERG, Star Tribune
5/8/09
Gov. Tim Pawlenty held a ceremonial bill-signing Thursday of "Brandon's Law," which expands the state's missing children's law to include adults who are missing and potentially endangered.
The law is named for Brandon Swanson, 19, who has been missing since last May, when his car went into a ditch in southwestern Minnesota.
"We're here to lend our voice to recommit Minnesota, and, I hope, others around the country, that [law enforcement] will respond as robustly as possible when people are missing," Pawlenty said.
Swanson's parents, Brian and Annette, began pushing for a change in the law after frustrating encounters with law enforcement officials, who explained to them that adults generally have a right to be missing.
"But don't tell me that without finding out the circumstances first," Annette Swanson said in the midst of lobbying for the law this spring.
"This is a bittersweet moment for us," she said Thursday. "I would never want to be here ... but I want to make a difference for other people."
The law, which takes effect July 1, was sponsored by House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and requires authorities to take missing persons reports "without delay" and conduct preliminary investigations to see if fears appear founded.
The law would accelerate law enforcement's response if a missing person is considered "endangered." That includes situations in which the missing person needs medical attention, when the disappearance clearly wasn't voluntary or occurred in dangerous circumstances.
"No family should have to endure the additional heartache ... of a slow or inadequate response," Pawlenty said.
Minnesota is following the lead of other states that already have bolstered their laws to find missing senior citizens and young adults.
The Swansons, their daughter, Jamine, and Seifert attended the signing ceremony. Also attending were David and Linda Francis and their two daughters. Their son, Jon, a 24-year-old from Stillwater, disappeared on July 15, 2006, while hiking in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. His remains were found more than a year later.
Note: Brandon's Law is a part of Project Jason's Campaign for the Missing, a nationwide grassroots effort to pass procedural laws in each state regarding missing and unidentified persons.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#15
Kelly
-
- Administrators
-
- 7,820 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 21 February 2011 - 03:37 PM
http://gantdaily.com...ngered-persons/
New System Seeks Public’s Help in Finding Missing, Endangered Persons
February 21, 2011 at 4:00 AM by Gant Team
HARRISBURG – The public can help locate missing persons who may be in danger because of factors such as age or health through a new advisory system announced by acting Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan.
“The Missing Endangered Person Advisory System — or MEPAS — will likely be used most often when an elderly person with a disability or a young child wanders away from their home or caregiver,” Noonan said.
“MEPAS will provide information about the missing individual to broadcasters to relay to the public. The information also will be sent to law enforcement and other agencies.”
Please read more at the link above.
New System Seeks Public’s Help in Finding Missing, Endangered Persons
February 21, 2011 at 4:00 AM by Gant Team
HARRISBURG – The public can help locate missing persons who may be in danger because of factors such as age or health through a new advisory system announced by acting Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan.
“The Missing Endangered Person Advisory System — or MEPAS — will likely be used most often when an elderly person with a disability or a young child wanders away from their home or caregiver,” Noonan said.
“MEPAS will provide information about the missing individual to broadcasters to relay to the public. The information also will be sent to law enforcement and other agencies.”
Please read more at the link above.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
0 user(s) are reading this topic
0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users
Thank you for visiting the website of Project Jason, a 501c 3 nonprofit organization. Your presence means that you care about the missing, and that means so much to us and the families of the missing.