"The Amber Alert program has helped recover hundreds of abducted children nationwide since its inception ten years ago," Owens said. "I believe the same strategy of rapidly disseminating information via the media will help locate missing senior citizens in need of help."
Senate Bill 57, sponsored by Sen. Peter Groff and Rep. Jim Riesberg, creates a citizen alert program for missing seniors, 60 years of age or older with a "verified impaired mental condition" and "whose disappearance poses a credible threat to the safety and health of the person."
When a missing senior comes under the criteria, the legislation specifies that "participating radio stations, television stations and other media outlets may issue the alert" just as they currently do when a child is abducted.
"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.
Owens signed Colorado's original Amber Alert legislation in April, 2002. The program is named after Amber Hagerman, a nine-year old girl who was abducted and murdered in Texas in 1996. Responding to community concern, Texas broadcasters created the first Amber Alert system which has since spread to all 50 states. The U.S. Department of Justice recently reported that Amber Alerts have helped locate 241 abducted children nationwide.
The senior alert legislation signed by Owens directs the Colorado Department of Public Safety to promulgate rules to implement the program. The rules are expected to be finalized within the next several months.
