Endangered Person Information:
Activation Criteria
Endangered Person Notification System (EPNS) activation shall be based on the following criteria:
- Law Enforcement confirms that the missing person is believed to be suffering from Alzheimer's disease, dementia, a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, or some other cognitive impairment.
- Law Enforcement concludes that the disappearance poses a credible threat to the person’s welfare and safety, or a threat to the public’s safety.
- A legal custodian of the missing person has submitted a missing person's report to the local law enforcement agency where the person went missing.
- There is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the missing person: such as photographs and confirmed vehicle/tag information.
- Law Enforcement has already activated a local or regional advisory by contacting media outlets in their jurisdiction and/or surrounding jurisdictions.
- Law Enforcement acknowledges use of the statewide dynamic message signs may be the only possible way to rescue the missing endangered person.
Background
The Endangered Person Notification System (EPNS) was signed into law by Governor Mark Sanford on 5/28/2010 (South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 23-3-330).
The purpose of the Endangered Person Notification System is to provide a statewide system for the rapid dissemination of information regarding a missing person who is believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment.
If the Missing Person Information Center (MPIC) at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) receives a report that involves a missing person who is believed to be suffering from Alzheimer's disease, dementia, a developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, or some other cognitive impairment, for the protection of the person from potential abuse or other physical harm, neglect, or exploitation, the center shall issue a notification providing for the appropriate dissemination of information regarding the person.
The EPNS notifies a group of state agencies, local broadcasters, and other media outlets that have agreed to rapidly disseminate an Endangered Person Advisory (EPA) to the public to assist in the recovery only when the criteria are met and there is enough information available.
Other Resources
MedicAlert + Safe Return with the Alzheimer’s Association - For assistance with a wandering incident call 1-800-625-3780 www.alz.org
A Child is Missing Alert – a recorded telephone message launched within a certain target area to help find missing children, elderly (with Alzheimer’s), or disabled individuals. Free to law enforcement agencies. 888-875-2246 or 954-763-4569 www.achildismissing.org