History of Silver Alert in Timeline

A Silver Alert is a public notification system in the United States designed to help locate missing persons, particularly senior citizens, who have Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other mental impairments. The alerts broadcast information to the public, enabling them to assist law enforcement in finding and safely returning the missing individuals. It is similar in concept to an Amber Alert, but focuses on vulnerable adults instead of children.

2003: Governor Pataki vetoes Silver Alert legislation

In 2003, New York Governor George Pataki vetoed Silver Alert legislation, citing concerns that it would weaken the Amber Alert system and make the alerts too common.

April 2004: Disappearance of Mattie Moore

In April 2004, Mattie Moore, a 68-year-old Atlanta resident with Alzheimer's disease, disappeared, prompting increased efforts to locate missing seniors in Georgia.

December 2005: Oklahoma Representative announces Silver Alert intention

In December 2005, Oklahoma State Representative Fred Perry announced his intention to introduce a Silver Alert, which he called "AMBER Alert for seniors".

March 2006: Oklahoma House passes resolution for Silver Alert system

In March 2006, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed H.R. 1075, a resolution calling for a Silver Alert system to find missing seniors.

April 2006: Statewide Mattie's Call program enacted in Georgia

In April 2006, legislation to create a statewide Mattie's Call program was enacted in Georgia. The program coordinates and supports law enforcement to issue urgent bulletins in missing persons cases involving persons with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other mental disabilities.

2006: Inception of Mattie's Call

In 2006, Mattie's Call was launched in Georgia.

September 2007: Silver Alert system invoked in Texas

In Texas, the Silver Alert system was used 52 times in the first year after its establishment in September 2007. 48 missing seniors were located safely, with 13 recoveries directly attributed to Silver Alert.

February 26, 2008: Incident leading to Florida Silver Alert pilot program

On February 26, 2008, an 86-year-old person drove away from an assisted-living facility in Florida, and was later found dead, which prompted the development of a pilot Silver Alert program.

May 2008: National Silver Alert Act introduced

In May 2008, Representative Lloyd Doggett introduced the National Silver Alert Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to encourage and integrate Silver Alert plans nationwide.

September 2008: National Silver Alert Act passes House

In September 2008, the National Silver Alert Act, H.R. 6064, was passed by the House of Representatives by a voice vote. However, the 110th Congress adjourned before it could be considered in the U.S. Senate.

October 2008: Florida's Silver Alert program initiated

In October 2008, Florida initiated its Silver Alert program.

2008: North Carolina Silver Alert results

In North Carolina, 128 Silver Alerts were issued in 2008, resulting in the safe recovery of 118 seniors.

January 2009: Mattie's Call success rate reported

Between its inception in 2006 and January 2009, Mattie's Call in Georgia had a safe return for 70 of the 71 calls issued, according to a spokesperson for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

February 11, 2009: National Silver Alert Act re-introduced and passed by the House

On February 11, 2009, the National Silver Alert Act was re-introduced in the 111th Congress as H.R. 632 and passed by the House of Representatives on a voice vote.

April 2009: Silver Alert program permanently established in Oklahoma

In April 2009, Governor Brad Henry signed legislation permanently establishing the Silver Alert program in Oklahoma.

2009: Florida Silver Alert program results

In its first year (2008-2009), Florida issued 136 Silver Alerts, resulting in 131 safe recoveries. 19 of these recoveries were directly attributable to Silver Alert.

2012: Review of missing-senior programs

In 2012, a review of research into missing-senior programs found that Silver Alert had not been evaluated for effectiveness in returning people to safety. The review also questioned whether wandering was a significant problem meriting resource expenditure, and criticized the program for prioritizing safety over civil rights and potentially exposing missing persons to exploitation.

December 12, 2013: National Silver Alert Act reintroduced in Senate

On December 12, 2013, Senator Joe Manchin reintroduced the National Silver Alert Act as S.1814 in the 113th Congress. It was referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary but not voted on.