CONNECTICUT SILVER ALERT SYSTEM - AN ELDERLY AND OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENT LOCATOR SYSTEM

The Silver Alert system, effective July 1, 2009, mandates that law enforcement immediately begin searching for missing individuals who are ages 65 or older, or ages 18 and over if mentally impaired.

Once the police receive a missing person’s report and a description of the missing person, the information is broadcast via radio, television, and electronic highway signs through the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

The plan alerts the public as quickly as possible to the disappearance so everyone may assist in the search for the safe return of the individual. Silver Alert is similar to the Amber Alert, which is for missing children.

During a Silver Alert, the Connecticut Department of Public Safety will:

• Notify all on-duty police officers as well as other appropriate law enforcement agencies.
• Broadcast the alert via the Emergency Alert Systerm (EAS).
• Collect, process, maintain, disseminate information to help locate missing seniors and or mentally impaired adults through the Connecticut Department of Public Safety’s Missing Person Clearinghouse under the “Missing Senior Citizen Information.”
  

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SOURCE: Connecticut Department of Social Services/Aging Services Division
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: August2012