The Silver Alert system is a public safety tool used in the United States. Its purpose is to quickly spread information about missing individuals, particularly senior citizens, who may be experiencing cognitive challenges like Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The goal of a Silver Alert is to facilitate the safe return of these missing individuals by raising awareness and encouraging public vigilance.
2002: Varied Silver Alert Activation Criteria Across States
In 2002, discrepancies arose regarding Silver Alert activation criteria across different states. While some states restricted alerts to individuals over 65 with specific medical diagnoses like Alzheimer's, others adopted a broader approach by including children and adults with mental or developmental disabilities. The decision-making process for issuing a Silver Alert generally rested with law enforcement agencies investigating missing person reports.
2003: Concerns Raised About Alert Proliferation
Critics voiced concerns in 2003 that the increasing number of color-coded alerts, including Amber, Silver, and Blue Alerts, could diminish their overall effectiveness and lead to public fatigue, potentially jeopardizing the impact of these crucial alert systems.
April 2004: Mattie Moore's Disappearance Sparks Public Efforts
The disappearance of Mattie Moore, a 68-year-old Atlanta resident with Alzheimer's, in April 2004, brought the issue of missing seniors to the forefront in Georgia, prompting increased public awareness and calls for improved search efforts.
December 2005: Proposal for "AMBER Alert for Seniors" in Oklahoma
In December 2005, Oklahoma state Representative Fred Perry, a Republican from Tulsa, proposed the concept of an "AMBER Alert for seniors," which he named "Silver Alert," aiming to establish a system specifically designed to locate missing seniors.
March 2006: Oklahoma House Supports Silver Alert System
In March 2006, the Oklahoma House of Representatives demonstrated their support by passing H.R. 1075. This resolution advocated for the creation of a Silver Alert system to aid in finding missing seniors, signifying a growing recognition of the issue.
April 2006: Georgia Implements Statewide "Mattie's Call" Program
In April 2006, Georgia took decisive action by enacting legislation to establish "Mattie's Call" as a statewide program. This initiative aimed to enhance coordination among law enforcement, emergency management, and broadcasters to effectively issue urgent bulletins for missing individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia, and other mental disabilities, showcasing a proactive approach to addressing the issue.
2006: Georgia's Mattie's Call Launched
Georgia's Mattie's Call program was officially launched in 2006, aiming to improve response times and coordination among agencies involved in locating missing persons, marking a significant step in enhancing public safety.
September 2007: Texas Implements Silver Alert System with Immediate Success
Texas launched its Silver Alert system in September 2007, and within the first year, the system was activated 52 times. Out of these alerts, 48 missing seniors were successfully located, with 13 of those recoveries directly attributed to the Silver Alert program, demonstrating its immediate impact.
February 26, 2008: Mary Zelter's Tragic Death Prompts Silver Alert Pilot Program
The tragic death of Mary Zelter, an 86-year-old Largo resident who went missing on February 26, 2008, served as a catalyst for change in Florida. Her disappearance and subsequent discovery prompted Pinellas County officials to initiate a Silver Alert pilot program, which later expanded into a statewide endeavor.
May 2008: Introduction of the National Silver Alert Act
In May 2008, Representative Lloyd Doggett initiated a significant step towards a nationwide approach to address missing senior cases by introducing the National Silver Alert Act (H.R. 6064) in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill aimed to encourage, enhance, and integrate Silver Alert plans across the United States, reflecting a growing national concern.
September 2008: House Passes National Silver Alert Act
The U.S. House of Representatives showed strong support for the National Silver Alert Act, passing it with a voice vote in September 2008, underscoring the growing momentum for a unified national response. However, the 110th Congress adjourned before the bill could be considered in the U.S. Senate, leaving its fate uncertain.
2008: North Carolina Reports High Silver Alert Retrieval Rate
In 2008, North Carolina reported a remarkable success rate for its Silver Alert system, with 118 out of 128 missing seniors safely recovered, highlighting the program's effectiveness in locating missing seniors and potentially saving lives.
2008: Florida's Silver Alert Shows Promising Results in First Year
During its inaugural year of implementation (2008-2009), Florida's Silver Alert system yielded encouraging results, leading to the safe recovery of 131 out of 136 missing seniors, with 19 recoveries directly attributed to the program's activation, showcasing its potential in ensuring senior safety.
January 2009: Georgia's Mattie's Call Demonstrates High Success Rate
By January 2009, Georgia's Mattie's Call program demonstrated a remarkably high success rate, reuniting 70 out of 71 missing individuals with their families since its establishment in 2006, highlighting the program's effectiveness in quickly locating missing persons.
February 11, 2009: National Silver Alert Act Reintroduced and Passed by House
On February 11, 2009, the National Silver Alert Act (H.R. 632) was reintroduced and swiftly passed by the House of Representatives through a voice vote, demonstrating continued commitment to addressing the issue of missing seniors and establishing a national framework.
April 2009: Oklahoma Establishes Permanent Silver Alert Program
In April 2009, Oklahoma formalized the Silver Alert program, solidifying its commitment to senior safety. Governor Brad Henry signed legislation ensuring the program's long-term implementation and statewide reach, marking a significant milestone in senior safety measures.
2009: Florida's Silver Alert System Continues to Yield Positive Outcomes
By 2009, after two years of implementation, Florida's Silver Alert system had been activated 227 times, resulting in the successful location of 220 missing seniors, including 36 recoveries directly linked to the program's use. These positive results further underscored the program's efficacy in bringing missing seniors home safely.
December 12, 2013: Senator Manchin Reintroduces National Silver Alert Act
Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) reintroduced the National Silver Alert Act (S.1814) in the 113th Congress on December 12, 2013, reflecting persistent efforts to push for a national system. The bill was referred to the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, signifying a step towards further consideration and potential passage.