Colorado is the first state in the U.S. to apply the Amber Alert system to missing seniors with a "verified impaired mental condition" and "whose disappearance poses a credible threat to the safety and health of the person."
“The Amber Alert program has helped recover hundreds of abducted children nationwide since its inception ten years ago," said Colorado governor Bill Owens.
"I believe the same strategy of rapidly disseminating information via the media will help locate missing senior citizens in need of help."
Just as all 50 states do when a child is reported missing, when a senior age 60 or over is missing and fits the criteria stated by the legislation, radio and television stations and other media outlets will issue the alert.
"We have learned from the Amber Alerts that time is of the essence. Such alerts can instantly create a giant neighborhood watch. The partnership between law enforcement, broadcasters and the community is a proven way to save lives," Owens said.
The original Amber Alert system was named for Amber Hagerman, a nine year old Texas girl who was abducted and murdered in 1996. Texas was the first state to institute the alert system and the other 49 states quickly followed. Colorado officials hope that the other states will follow suit in establishing a similar system for seniors who may wander due to diseases such as Alzheimer’s or other mental health disorders.
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By: Mazie Posted: May 08 2006 05:43:21 PM