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The Amber Alert Program originated in Texas in 2002, with the federal version following in 2003, in response to the abduction and murder of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman. This program is designed to disseminate information regarding the abduction to the public, media, and law enforcement agencies across the state. Alerts are distributed to the National Weather Service's Texas Warning System for broadcast on radio and television stations; Texas Department of Transportation's Traffic Management Center for messages on highway signs; law enforcement agencies; Texas Missing Persons Clearinghouse; and the Texas Office of the Governor. Amber Alerts are only issued when a case meets specific criteria, as overuse of the program could reduce its effectiveness. Since its inception, the Amber Alert Program has been activated 33 times, and 37 children have been found.
Earlier this year I wrote about Senate Bill 1315, which establishes a Silver Alert Program. Elderly individuals with dementia related diseases, such as Alzheimer's, may wander away from their residences. In doing so, these individuals can be severely injured, lost for days without food and shelter, or worse. The need for an alert system for missing senior citizens with impaired mental conditions is evident. SB 1315 was signed by Governor Perry this week. The Department of Public Safety, which will manage this program, expects to have the program ready by the bill's effective date, September 1, 2007.
The Silver Alert Program will operate much like the Amber Alert Program. Before a Silver Alert is activated, certain criteria must be met: the missing person must be 65 years of age or older; a Texas resident; have a diagnosed impaired mental condition; the senior citizen’s disappearance poses a credible threat to the citizen’s health and safety; the Silver Alert is requested within 72 hours of the senior citizen’s disappearance; and there is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the senior citizen. Furthermore, highway signs will be activated if accurate vehicle information is available AND it is confirmed that the senior citizen was driving the vehicle at the time of the disappearance. A family member or legal guardian will also have to provide documentation from a medical or mental health professional of the senior citizen’s condition to law enforcement officials before an alert can be issued.
For more information regarding the Silver Alert Program, please contact my office by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by emailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us. My district office phone number is (903) 891-7297.
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