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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPolicy 226 – Missing Person InvestigationOSHKOSH POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE TITLE: Missing Person Investigations POLICY SERIES: 226 Effective Date: January 29, 2020 Date Issued: January 14, 2020 Chief of Police: Dean Smith (Signature on File) Date Signed: January 14, 2020 CALEA Standard: 41.2.5, 41.2.6, 41.2.7, 81.2.4 WILEAG Standards: 6.1.5, 6.6.5 Statutory References: NA Final Review Date: January 14, 2020 Review By: Command Staff / PSD Lieutenant Rescinds: Policy dated September 28, 2019 SECTION DESCRIPTION 226.01 Purpose 226.02 Policy 226.03 Definitions 226.04 General Guidelines 226.05 Missing Person Risk Assessment 226.06 Investigative Guidelines 226.07 Child Abduction Response Team (CART) Activation 226.08 Missing Persons with Special Needs 226.09 Adults Missing Voluntarily 226.10 Runaway Juveniles 226.11 Abandoned Children 226.12 Amber Alerts 226.13 Silver Alerts 226.14 Green Alerts 226.15 Time System Entry Guidelines 1 226.16 Required Reports Appendix 226 A Missing Person Certification Form Appendix 226 B Missing Person Worksheet Appendix 226 C Juvenile Runaway Post Locate Interview Form 226.01 PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for missing person investigations, to include missing, endangered, and abducted persons, and abandoned and runaway juveniles. 226.02 POLICY It is the policy of the Oshkosh Police Department that the factual circumstances associated with every missing person reported to the department will be thoroughly evaluated and, in every instance, an investigation will be initiated, commensurate with the risk factors identified during this evaluation. Furthermore, every effort shall be made to aid individuals encountered in situations of distress who are incapable of communicating their own identity; or those who have been abandoned by their legal guardian or caretaker. 226.03 DEFINITIONS A. Amber Alert - An emergency notification system that disseminates information about a missing or abducted child via broadcast media outlets and electronic highway messaging boards. B. Child Abduction Response Team (CART) — A group of emergency responders that serve as members of a specifically trained unit which assists in the investigation and locating missing and abducted children made up of sworn and non -sworn employees. C. Endangered Missing Person - A missing person for whom one or more risk factors have played an apparent role in the disappearance. D. Green Alert - An emergency notification system that disseminates information on military veterans at risk, who are missing due to a physical or mental health condition that is related to their military service. 2 E. Missing Person - A person whose whereabouts are unknown and unexplainable for a period of time that is regarded by knowledgeable persons as highly unusual or suspicious with respect to the subject's behavior patterns, plans, or routines. F. Project Lifesaver - A program administered by the Department which allows residents to register a person in their care who suffers from Alzheimer's, Dementia, Autism, or other cognitive disorders and receive a radio transmitter wristband that allows the wearer to be located if they wander away. G. Runaway - A missing person, 17 years of age or younger, who is voluntarily absent without the permission of the parent, legal guardian, legal custodian or other person with legal authority to report them missing. H. Silver Alert - An emergency notification system that disseminates information on individuals missing/endangered due to Dementia/Alzheimer's or other permanent cognitive impairment. I. Special Needs Missing Person - A missing person whose absence and actions during the absence are influenced by debilitating physical impairments, social impairments, cognitive impairments, or communication challenges. J. Take Me Home — Is a database developed for people who may need special assistance when alone or in times of emergency. The systems includes a current digital photograph, demographic information and caregiver contacts. The system can be queried by searching by name or physical description in order to appropriately assist the person. K. Zone of Safety - The distance a child could travel from the location where last seen before he or she would most likely be at risk of injury or exploitation based on the child's age or stage of development. 226.04 General Guidelines A. An officer shall be immediately assigned to every report of a missing person. B. Jurisdictional conflicts are to be avoided when a person is reported • . missing. 3 1. If a person either resides, or was last seen, in the City of Oshkosh, the department will accept the report and initiate an investigation. 2. If a resident from another community goes missing while visiting the City of Oshkosh, the investigating officer shall evaluate the need to notify and involve the jurisdiction in which the missing person resides. 3. If a resident of the City of Oshkosh goes missing in another jurisdiction, and the jurisdiction is unwilling to investigate the matter, the Oshkosh Police Department will accept the report and initiate an investigation. The investigating officer will attempt to enlist the cooperation of the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the location where the person was last seen. C. No waiting period is required for a person to be deemed missing. Under no circumstances will a person be advised they must wait a prescribed period before a report of a missing person can be made. D. Every person reported as missing will be considered to be at risk until significant information to the contrary is confirmed. 226.05 Missing Person Risk Assessment A. The presence of one or more risk factors creates a heightened sense of urgency with respect to the investigation and may warrant categorizing the missing person as endangered. B. During a missing person investigation, officers shall evaluate the following risk factors in determining whether the missing person should be considered endangered: 1. Evidence the missing person is a potential victim of criminal activity or sexual exploitation. 2. Evidence indicating the disappearance was not voluntary. 3. Evidence of a threat to life or physical welfare. 4 4. Evidence the person is in the presence of persons who could endanger his or her welfare. 5. Evidence of drug or substance use/abuse. 6. Evidence the missing person has demonstrated self-destructive behavior or has threatened suicide. 7. Existence of a medical dependency; e.g., insulin or other medication dependency. 8. Indication the person possesses a diminished mental capacity that could affect his or her welfare. 9. A delay of 24 hours or more in reporting the person missing. 10. The disappearance is inconsistent with established patterns of behavior and the deviation cannot be readily explained. 11. The person is missing after a disaster, but has not been confirmed deceased. 12. The person has reported dementia, Alzheimer's or permanent cognitive impairment. C. Additional risk factors to consider for a missing child include: 1. The child is 13 years of age or younger. 2. The child is out of the zone of safety for his or her age and developmental stage. 226.06 Investigative Guidelines A. The following steps shall be taken in every missing person investigation: 1. Verify missing status and that the subject meets definition of a missing person. 2. Evaluate risk factors outlined in Section B., above, and determine whether the missing person is endangered. 5 3. Conduct a thorough interview for the purpose of determining such information as: a. Factors corroborating the person's status as missing; b. Factors establishing risks associated with the absence; c. Factors that may hasten the discovery of the person's whereabouts, such as; i. Where and with whom the person was last seen. ii. A detailed description of the person. iii. A detailed description of vehicles or persons associated with the absence. iv. Information regarding known patterns of behavior or plans that could aid in locating the missing person. 4. Thoroughly examine the area from which the person was reported missing, considering the possibility the area constitutes a crime scene. In the case of a missing juvenile conduct a thorough search of the juvenile's home, including anywhere the child could be. 5. Obtain a recent photograph of the missing person. 6. Initiate appropriate notifications/alerts; e.g., radio, geographic TIME System alert, NCIC, Wisconsin Crime Alert Network, NCMEC, Amber Alert. 7. Initiate an area search or neighborhood canvass under circumstances warranting such action. 8. Pursue all investigative leads obtained during both preliminary and follow-up investigations. 9. Obtain computer and cell phone information; e.g., Facebook, or any other social networking material. 10. In prolonged investigations, periodically contact the reporting person to receive new information and provide updates. a. This should occur, at a minimum, within 5 days of the initial report and at least every 10 days thereafter. b. In the case of a prolonged runaway investigation, the investigation should be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division after 30 days for continued investigation. 11. Upon locating a missing person, the investigating officer shall interview the individual, evaluate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and the potential for any criminal charges or further police intervention, and ensure any agencies or information systems used to locate the individual; e.g., NCIC, are notified. B. In all cases where the risk assessment reveals a situation involving a missing person who is endangered, the investigating officer shall immediately notify a supervisor. The supervisor shall: 1. Determine the need for additional personnel and resources such as but not limited to activation of CART. 2. As appropriate, establish a command post and organize/coordinate any search efforts. 3. Establish a liaison with the family/reporting person as appropriate. 4. Manage any immediate media inquiries. 5. In the case of a child victim, coordinate the transmission of an Amber Alert, if appropriate. 6. In the case of an adult victim, coordinate the transmission of a Silver or Green Alert by contacting DOJ/DCI, if appropriate. 7 C. Additional investigative steps to take upon concluding the missing person was abducted. 1. Consider the incident to be a major crime scene, as defined in the Policy 213 - Crime Scene Investigation, and investigate accordingly. 2. Initiate an Amber Alert if the criteria established in Section H., below are satisfied. D. Additional considerations when the missing person is a juvenile. 1. The investigating officer should evaluate the need to verify the child's custody status. a. The department will accept a report of a missing child, even if a parental custody question exists, when it can be shown that the child has been removed, without explanation, from his or her usual place of residence. b. If legal custody is in question, the reporting person shall be instructed to establish legal custody as soon as possible. 2. The investigating officer should consider a thorough search of the home or any possible hiding places within the home or immediate area. As necessary, consent should be sought for such a search. E. Additional investigative considerations. 1. As appropriate, the investigating officer may consider working with the reporting individual/family to develop a flier or establish a tip/hot line. 2. In prolonged investigations, the investigating officer should consider obtaining dental/medical records for the missing person. 3. Evaluate the need for any specialized resources, such as the F.B.I., Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, National 8 Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Theda Star, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Team, etc. F. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 1. The NCMEC website contains a lot of information and resources that can be utilized during an investigation. That website is available at: http://www.missingkids.com/home 2. An Investigative Checklist for First Responders is available at: http://www.missingkids.com/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/pub lications/nc88.pdf 3. A Checklist for Public -Safety Telecommunicators When Responding to Calls Pertaining to Missing, Abducted, and Sexually Exploited Children is available at: http://www.missingkids.com/content/dam/missingkids/pdfs/pub lications/nc200.pdf 226.07 Child Abduction Response Team (CART) Activation A. The occurrence of any of the following incidents may initiate investigative involvement, assistance, or coordination by the Winnebago CART Coordinator(s). 1. Any incident that meets the Wisconsin Amber Alert Criteria as described in section 226.12; 2. The non -family abduction of a child under the age of 18 or; 3. A child under the age of 18 and whose whereabouts are unknown to his or her parents, guardian or responsible party, and with at least one of the following unusual circumstances. a. The child is out of their safety zone; i. The zone of safety will vary for each child depending on the age of the child, developmental stage and/or physical condition. 9 ii. In the case of an infant, the zone of safety is limited to the immediate presence of an adult custodian or the safe area the infant is placed. iii. For a school -aged child, the zone of safety may be the immediate neighborhood or route between home and school and other activities. b. The child is mentally diminished c. The child is medically and/or drug dependent 4. Any other abduction or missing child investigation that requires an immediate response in order to protect a child whose life or wellbeing is perceived to be at risk (due to violence or health conditions) or if an abductor has expressed a potential for violence or could endanger the child. B. CART Deployment Procedures 1. Department employees selected to CART are eligible to respond to CART activations. 2. Notification of CART deployments shall take place using Alertsence through the Winnebago County Communications Center. 3. CART may be activated at the request of a supervisor with the approval of the Chief of Police or designee. C. CART Selection 1. CART selection shall take place through a letter of interest and departmental seniority. 2. Officers must meet or exceed standards on the two previous performance evaluations. 3. A current CART roster is maintained by the Department CART coordinator and located in the I: drive. 226.08 Missing Persons with Special Needs 10 A. The cognitive abilities, behaviors, and actions of missing persons with special needs will often differ from those an officer might expect to encounter and, therefore, require a unique investigative approach. B. Conditions such as Alzheimer's, or other forms of dementia, most common in older adults, could result in: 1. Loss of memory. 2. Inability to think clearly. 3. Failure to recognize familiar persons, objects, or landmarks. 4. Irrational responses to normal situations. 5. Wandering away from residence or care facility. C. Conditions such as autism, or similar disorders, could result in: 1. Wandering or running away from an otherwise safe environment. 2. A diminished sense of fear causing the subject to engage in high - risk behaviors such as entering water bodies or busy roadways. 3. Eluding or hiding from search teams. 4. Seeking small or tightly enclosed spaces for concealment. 5. An inability to respond to rescuers due to the subject being non- verbal and/or low functioning. 6. A level of functioning that is inconsistent with the subject's chronological age. D. Officers investigating missing persons with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia should seek the following additional information during the preliminary investigation. 1. Determine if the person is a registered participant in the Project Lifesaver or Take Me Home program. 11 2. Determine if the person has been missing previously and, if so, where he or she was located. 3. Determine if the person is taking medication, time of the last dose, and if failure to take the medication could be life threatening. 4. Determine if clothing worn is weather appropriate. 5. Determine if the person is carrying identification, medical alert devices, or similar items. 6. Determine if the person would recognize and respond to police officers or be fearful. 7. Determine familiar locations to which the person could have gone; e.g., former residence, church, workplace, etc. 8. Determine if the person still remembers his or her address and/or phone number. 9. Determine if there are certain environments or activities the person would be drawn to or try to avoid. 10. Determine the person's normal daily routine. E. Officers investigating missing persons with autism should seek the following additional information during the preliminary investigation. 1. Determine if the person is a registered participant in the Project Lifesaver or Take Me Home program. 2. Determine the specifics of the person's special needs. 3. Determine if the person is taking medication, time of the last dose, and the consequences of not taking the medication. 4. Determine if the person has a history of wandering away and, if so, what environment or physical features have attracted the person; e.g., water bodies, heavy traffic, trains, heavy equipment, fire trucks, parks, etc. 12 5. Determine if the person has a favorite place, song, toy, object, character, etc. 6. Determine if the person has dislikes, fears, or behavioral triggers and, if so, how he or she will react to negative stimuli. 7. Determine how the person might react to sirens, amplified sounds or shouts, dogs or equipment used in a search, and people in uniform. 8. Determine the communication abilities of the person, to include whether they utilize verbal or nonverbal skills. 9. Determine if the person knows his or her parents' names, address, phone number, etc. 10. Determine if the person will respond to his or her name. 11. Determine if the person is carrying identification, medical alert devices, or similar items. 12. Determine how the person responds to pain, injury, or being touched by others. 13. Determine what methods are used to calm the person if he or she becomes agitated. F. Officers searching for missing persons with special needs should consider including the following search techniques. 1. Initiate a full search, as soon as possible, of the home or care facility and surrounding area, including locations such as closets, cabinets, false ceilings, HVAC ventilation, toy boxes, etc. 2. Search areas of thick vegetation; near bodies of water, highways and traffic corridors, culverts, drainage ditches, wooded environments and other high hazard areas; and obscure areas such as junk yards, building roofs, abandoned buildings, and vehicles. Additionally, focus search efforts on previous locations visited and familiar areas of interest. 13 3. Canvass areas businesses and other easily accessible buildings. 4. Persons with autism might be attracted to searchers by playing a favorite song or driving a favorite vehicle in the search area. 5. Consider the missing person might not respond to his or her name and might consider he or she is in trouble, therefore intentionally hide or seclude him or herself. G. Officers encountering missing persons with special needs should consider using the following techniques. 1. Communicate in a low, calm voice, with short, simple sentences or questions. 2. Clearly identify yourself and explain your actions. 3. In the case of a child, approach the child at his or her level, kneeling if necessary. 4. Use simple instructions and positive reinforcement. Don't assume the person understands everything being said. 5. Allow ample time for the person to process and respond to requests. 6. Ask permission before touching the individual. 7. Limit the volume of radios and, if possible, avoid the use of lights and sirens. 8. If possible, avoid the use of handcuffs. 9. Check for the presence of identification, such as a medical bracelet or tracking device. 10. Bring a familiar person to the scene as soon as possible and tell the subject the person is on the way. 226.09 Adults Missing Voluntarily 14 A. In the absence of risk factors, officers investigating a missing adult should consider the possibility the adult is missing voluntarily. B. Factors that might suggest a voluntary disappearance/absence include, but are not limited to: 1. The existence of personal issues related to relationship difficulties, financial problems, employment problems, depression, etc. 2. The person took personal items, such as cell phone, clothing, hygiene items, a wallet or purse, credit cards, checkbook, photos, etc. 3. The person left a note or told a credible person he or she is leaving. (This does not include a note or message inferring suicide) 4. The person simply has not been in touch with the reporting party for an extended period of time, unless extenuating circumstances exist. 5. The person is a fugitive from justice, including AWOL military personnel. 6. The person is being sought by others for reasons such as debt collection, child support, family obligations, etc. C. The circumstances of an adult missing in what appears to be a voluntary absence will be thoroughly documented in an incident report. D. The scope of an investigation of an adult missing under circumstances suggesting a voluntary absence will be limited to establishing the welfare of subject. E. When adults missing voluntarily are located, officers may not divulge their location to others unless the subject consents. If the subject desires to keep his or her whereabouts private, the reporting person may be informed the subject was located and does not want to be contacted. In such circumstances, the subject should be canceled from the TIME System. 15 226.10 Runaway Juveniles A. Upon receiving a report of a runaway, officers should first evaluate risk factors as outlined in Section 226.05., above, to determine if the juvenile is endangered. If endangered, officers should proceed as outlined elsewhere in this policy. B. At a minimum, the investigating officer shall accomplish the following during the interview with the reporting person: 1. Verify the juvenile is missing. 2. Verify the reporting person is legally authorized to make the report. 3. Determine the circumstances of the disappearance. 4. Determine possible destination or location information. 5. Determine when, where, and by whom the runaway was last seen. 6. Obtain a detailed description of the runaway, to include clothing. 7. Obtain a list of known companions with whom the runaway might be and any relevant vehicle information. 8. Determine the school the runaway attends. 9. Determine if the runaway has a county social worker. 10. Determine if the runaway has any health concerns. 11. Obtain a recent photograph of the runaway. 12. Obtain computer and cell phone information; e.g., Facebook, or any other social networking material. C. After obtaining the necessary investigative information, the investigating officer shall: 16 1. Have the reporting person or other authorized individual sign a Runaway Juvenile/Missing Person Certification Form, Appendix B. 2. Provide the reporting person with an information brochure regarding the Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley Runaway Program. 3. Request the reporting person authorize the Department to release the name of the juvenile runaway to the Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley Runaway Program and indicate yes or no to the request on the Runaway Juvenile/Missing Person Certification Form. 4. Inform the reporting person to contact the Department if the runaway returns home before he or she is located by the police. 5. Broadcast an attempt to locate the runaway to other officers if doing so would be helpful in immediately locating the runaway. 6. Pursue any investigative leads generated during the interview with the reporting person. 7. Notify the School Resource Officer (SRO) of the school attended by the runaway. 8. Notify the appropriate police agencies if there is reason to believe the runaway may be in their jurisdiction. 9. Provide a copy of the Runaway Juvenile/Missing Person Certification Form and a completed Missing Person Worksheet to a telecommunications clerk to be entered in the TIME System. If the telecommunications desk is closed the Missing Person Worksheet shall be faxed to the Winnebago County Communications Center for entry. 10. Complete a thorough incident report and notify the shift commander, with photograph, if available, for inclusion in shift recap and rollcall briefings. D. Telecommunications Clerk (TC) responsibilities. 17 1. The TC shall enter the information on the Missing Person Worksheet into the TIME System and indicate the worksheet the entry was made. 2. If the reporting person consented on the Oshkosh Police Missing Person/Runaway Certification form to the release of information to the Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley, fax the completed form to (920) 968-2716. 3. Maintain a file of entered Missing Person Worksheets at the TC desk. 4. Disseminate attempt to locate (ATL) information on the missing juvenile to other agencies as appropriate at the direction of the investigating officer. 5. Remove missing persons from the TIME System at the direction of the investigating officer when the missing person has been located. E. When the runaway is located, every effort shall be made to release the juvenile to his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian. If the parents are unavailable, a suitable alternative would be to place the juvenile with a relative. If the parents are able to be contacted, they may be asked for additional alternatives. F. In cases where a juvenile returns home and there is tension at home the Officer can encourage the parent/guardian to contact the Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley to inquire about short-term options. G. If all release options have proven unsuccessful, the officer should contact Juvenile Intake. H. Prior to release, the locating officer shall conduct a follow-up interview and complete the Juvenile Runaway Post Locate Interview Form — Appendix C. Either the outcome of the interview or the decision to not conduct the interview and reason why should be documented in the incident report. I. Upon release, the officer shall perform the following: 18 1. Strongly encourage the parents or legal guardian and the juvenile to access the counseling services offered by the Runaway Program of the Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley. 2. Ensure the juvenile is canceled from the TIME System. 3. Follow up on any information regarding abuse, neglect, or other form of victimization involving the juvenile, or any information pertaining to criminal activity involving the juvenile during his or her absence. 4. Prepare a thorough supplement to the case report documenting the matter. J. In the event an officer locates a runaway from another jurisdiction, the following guidelines shall apply: 1. The locating officer shall contact the jurisdiction, apprise them the juvenile is in custody, and discuss arrangements for the return of the runaway to that agency. 2. The officer shall attempt to contact the reporting person and advise him or her that the child is in custody. 3. If the responsible jurisdiction, or the reporting person, can take custody of the juvenile within a reasonable period of time, the officer may retain custody of the juvenile until the transfer can occur. 4. If circumstances do not permit the officer to retain custody, or the time period required to accomplish the transfer is unreasonable, the officer shall contact juvenile intake and arrange for detention until the juvenile is released. 5. If the responsible jurisdiction, or the reporting person, refuses, or is unable, to take custody of the child, the officer shall contact juvenile intake to determine if the child may be released, temporarily placed, or if child protection needs to become involved for neglect or abandonment concerns. 6. The officer shall prepare a case report documenting the apprehension and transfer of custody. 19 K. In the event an Oshkosh runaway is located by another jurisdiction, the following guidelines shall apply: 1. An officer will be assigned to contact the reporting person and assist him or her in making arrangements to pick up the juvenile in the jurisdiction in which he or she was located. 2. In the event that the reporting person is unavailable, unable, or unwilling to pick up the juvenile the assigned Officer shall work with a supervisor to arrange for transport of the juvenile. Juvenile intake may also be contacted when appropriate to assist with transport arrangements or temporary placement. 3. The assigned officer shall obtain information from the locating officer regarding the location and circumstances of the apprehension. 4. The assigned officer shall complete a supplement to the original case report documenting the incident and, as appropriate, ensure the actions outlined in Sections H and I above are completed. 5. If the runaway has run from Shelter Care and was located by the agency that placed them at Shelter Care, that agency shall arrange for transport back to Shelter Care or other alternative placement through Juvenile Intake. L. If the runaway is not located, the investigating officer shall re -contact the reporting person within 5 days of the initial report to determine if new information is available. If the officer will be unable to adhere to these guidelines they shall notify a supervisor who will ensure the follow up is completed. A supplemental report shall be completed to document this activity. M. If the runaway is missing for more than 14 days the CID Lieutenant shall update the original TIME entry and evaluate whether to assign the investigation to a detective or school resource officer. N. If the runaway has not been located by the time he or she turns 18 years of age, the TIME system entry will automatically change to "Emancipated Juvenile," but will remain in the system. The Department 20 will receive a message that the juvenile is emancipated. In addition, the following actions shall be taken: 1. The Telecommunications Clerk who received the information that the juvenile is emancipated shall notify the assigned officer of the change in status. 2. The officer will contact the reporting person to determine if the runaway's location is known. a. If the location is known the runaway's status will be verified by the investigating officer and the complaint cleared. The runaway shall be canceled from the TIME System. b. If the runaway is still missing and the reporting person has had no contact, the person will remain in the TIME system until verification of his or her welfare is received. These circumstances shall be documented in a follow-up report 226.11 Abandoned Children A. A child whose caretaker makes no effort to recover him or her after running away, who has been abandoned or deserted, who has been forced to leave home and not allowed to return, or who cannot be identified, shall be considered abandoned. B. Officers becoming aware of such circumstances shall immediately initiate an investigation and, if the child is present, shall take him or her into custody. C. The investigating officer shall notify a supervisor that the child is abandoned and consider the appropriateness of criminal charges for neglect. D. Further investigative actions are outlined in Policy 411 -Juvenile Procedures. 226.12 Amber Alerts 21 A. The following criteria must be met before an Amber Alert can be activated: 1. The child must be 17 years of age or younger. 2. The child must be in danger of great bodily harm or death. 3. There must be sufficient descriptive information about the child, the suspect(s) and/or the suspect vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast alert will help locate the child. B. The child must be entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database as soon as possible with the AA flag if concurrent with the issuance of an Amber Alert. C. An officer who has reason to believe a missing child was abducted or is endangered should immediately convey the details to a supervisor. The supervisor will review the details to determine if the criteria for an Amber Alert have been satisfied. D. If the Amber Alert criteria have been satisfied, the supervisor must request an AMBER Alert activation by completing the following steps. 1. Contact the Wisconsin State Patrol's Traffic Management Center at 1-844-9 77-435 7. 2. Provide their contact information. A DCI supervisor will call back. 3. Review the facts of the case and the status of the investigation with the DCI supervisor. DCI will determine which area(s) of the state an approved AMBER Alert will be broadcast. If it is determined that the child/suspect are physically located outside the state of Wisconsin, DCI is the point of contact to activate an AMBER Alert in another state. 4. If approved for an AMBER Alert, the DCI supervisor will provide information to access the online form. 5. Access the online form, fill out the information for the AMBER Alert, attach photos, and submit. 22 6. Maintain frequent contact with the DCI supervisor as investigation progresses. E. Following the issuance of an Amber Alert, the department will announce via the media the following methods of contact to facilitate the exchange of information: 1. A 24-hour telephone number; 2. An e-mail address; 3. A fax number; and 4. Any other available means of contact. F. Once the child has been located the missing person information shall be removed from NCIC, the DCI supervisor shall be notified for cancellation of the Amber Alert, the child's family shall be notified, and information shall be provided to the media. 226.13 Silver Alerts A. The following criteria must be met before a Silver Alert can be activated: 1. Missing person is 60 years of age or older, 2. The missing person is believed to have Dementia, Alzheimer's, or another permanent cognitive impairment that poses a threat to their health or safety, 3. There is reasonable belief that the missing person's disappearance is due to their impaired cognitive condition, 4. The Silver Alert request is made within 72 hours of the individual's disappearance, 5. There is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the missing person, and 6. The missing person has been entered into NCIC. 23 B. An officer who investigates a missing/endangered person should immediately notify a supervisor. The supervisor will review the details and determine if the criteria for a Silver Alert have been satisfied. C. Silver Alerts must be requested by the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction and are only issued by WI Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) staff. 1. If the supervisor concurs the criteria for a Silver alert is met, the officer shall contact the Wisconsin State Patrol Traffic Management Center (TMC) at 1-844-977-4357 and provide their name and direct call-back number. 2. TMC will contact the on duty Silver Alert staff person who will immediately call the officer back and confirm that all criteria is met. Silver Alert staff will provide login information to access the online request form. This username/password will be changed regularly. ** Steps 1 and 2 need to be completed FOR EVERY SILVER ALERT REQUEST. 3. If desired, the officer can also fill out the "working draft" form available on WILEnet while collecting the information from the reporting party. However, keep in mind that the information will need to be transferred to the online form for submission. 4. The investigating officer should also obtain an electronic image to be forwarded for inclusion in the alert. Please note that a WI Driver's License photo cannot be used. 5. The officer shall complete the online request form, attach any relevant photos and submit the request. This request will automatically be sent to the Silver Alert staff. 6. Silver Alert staff will activate the Silver Alert via the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network. 7. Depending on the circumstances, the following regional, multi - regional or statewide resources can be utilized during the Silver Alert. Which resources are used will be at the discretion of Silver Alert staff and/or the DCI supervisor. a. Wisconsin Crime Alert Network message. 24 b. Department of Transportation highway message boards: If the person is in a vehicle, the DOT message boards can be activated. The Silver Alert message is displayed for a maximum of 5 hours (not including the hours of 10PM- 6AM). c. Wisconsin Lottery terminals: Lottery terminals will display the alert for up to 3 days. d. Time System Control Center: TSCC will issue an administrative teletype message to notify law enforcement agencies in the region in which the Silver Alert was activated. e. Digital Billboards: Outdoor Advertising Association of Wisconsin may display the Silver Alert on digital billboards in the area. 8. The investigating officer and/or their agency are responsible for notifying Silver Alert staff of any significant updates so that an updated alert or a cancellation can be issued. Only the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation can update or cancel a Silver Alert. 9. After the individual is located the investigating or follow-up officer shall ensure the individual is removed from NCIC. The Silver Alert Coordinator will also request information for record - keeping purposes regarding how the individual was located and if the Silver Alert was directly responsible for their recovery. Any additional information about where the subject was during their time missing is helpful. 10. The investigating officer should connect the family with the local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) serving the county in which the person lives for resources and safety planning. D. As Alzheimer's and Dementia are not limited to those 60 and older, where individuals are missing and at risk, but do not meet the criteria 25 for a Silver Alert, officers should issue a missing/endangered alert through the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network, http://www.wisconsincrimealert.gov/. When available, subject and vehicle photos should be attached to the Crime Alert. 226.14 Green Alerts A. The following criteria must be met before a Green Alert can be activated: 1. The missing person is a veteran or an active -duty member of the armed forces, the National Guard, or the military reserve forces of the United States, 2. The missing person is known, based on the information provided by the person making the report, to have a physical or mental health condition that is related to his or her service, 3. There is reason to believe the veteran at risk is missing due to his or her physical or mental health condition, 4. The report is made within 72 hours of the person's disappearance, and 5. There is sufficient information available to disseminate that could assist in locating the missing veteran. B. If an officer determines a missing person to be a veteran, and the abovementioned criteria have been established, the officer shall arrange for the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network to issue a Green Alert as soon as practicable. When available, subject and vehicle photos should be attached to the alert. A Green Alert can be initiated at http://www.wisconsincrimealert.gov/. C. When the missing veteran at risk is located, the officer should take the necessary steps to have the Green Alert canceled. 226.15 TIME System Entry Guidelines A. During a preliminary investigation of a missing person the investigating officer must determine the proper TIME System category that best 26 matches the factual information collected. The TIME System missing person categories are: 1. Disability: A person of any age who is missing and under proven physical/mental disability or is senile, thereby subjecting him or herself or others to personal or immediate danger. 2. Endangered: A person of any age who is missing under circumstances indicating his or her physical safety is in danger. 3. Involuntary: A person of any age who is missing under circumstances indicating the disappearance was not voluntary. 4. Disaster/Catastrophe Victim: A person of any age who is missing after a natural disaster or catastrophe. 5. Juvenile: A person who is under the age of 21 and does not meet any of the entry criteria set forth in sections a-d, above. 6. Other: A person who is over the age of 21 not meeting the criteria for entry in any other category and for whom there is a reasonable concern for his or her safety. B. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 requires the entry of a missing person under the age of 21 within two hours of receipt of the report. All other entries shall be completed as soon as practicable. 226.16 Required Reports A. A case report will be completed for every missing person investigation. 1. The incident report should thoroughly document all investigative steps taken. 2. Relevant follow-up activities and additional credible information received during subsequent investigation shall be documented in supplemental reports. B. When a missing person is located, the circumstances surrounding the discovery shall be documented in a supplemental report. 27 C. When a missing person is located, the removal of the person's name from any criminal justice databases; e.g., TIME system, shall be documented in a supplemental report. 28