"New York State is committed to keeping our children safe and free from harm," Pataki said. "This new e-mail notification system will further enhance our efforts to share information with the public that could lead to the safe return of a missing child.
"As we know from the AMBER Alert system, the public can truly make a difference in helping to locate and return a missing child to safety. By raising the public's consciousness of missing children, expanding child safety education and strategically publicizing abduction cases, we can reduce the risk of children being abducted."
Individuals who subscribe to the Missing and Exploited Children Clearinghouse's e-mail notification service will receive a link to electronic bi-monthly "multi picture posters" as well as missing children e-mail alerts. The service will e-mail detailed information surrounding a new missing child case. Information will include name, age, sex, last known location, circumstances surrounding the child's disappearance and any other pertinent information leading to the safe return of the child.
The newly created e-mail system is a mechanism that is complimentary to the New York State AMBER Alert system, which was implemented in February of 2002. It will be used in cases that do not meet AMBER protocols, or to supplement dissemination in AMBER activation cases.
"The Missing and Exploited Children Clearinghouse (MECC) provides services to families whenever and wherever they are needed across New York," said Chauncey G. Parker, New York State Director of Criminal Justice. "The Clearinghouse's new e-mail program allows the public to receive updated information on missing children which can lead to the safe return of abducted children and runaways."
The MECC is a strong partner with parents and law enforcement in preventing and investigating child abduction and exploitation. Through a multi-faceted initiative instituted by the governor, child safety education and investigative training for law enforcement have become cornerstones of the MECC efforts.
When requested to do so by law enforcement agencies and parents, a formal missing child case is established by the MECC and a case manager is assigned to handle all related responsibilities. Once this occurs, the MECC becomes formally involved in the search. On the average, the MECC is providing direct assistance in more than 150 cases at any given time. These cases are posted on the MECC website.
