Utilising the same emergency SMS geo-targeting technology which helps alert people to emergencies in their vicinity such as bushfires or floods, State Crime Command Director, Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Bennett, said it would be an invaluable tool to help find missing people when there were serious concerns for their safety.
“The message can include a brief description of the missing person, as well as details of how to report a sighting.” he said.
Missing Persons Registry (MPR) Coordinator, Detective Inspector Glen Browne, said those considered high-risk could include people living with dementia who may wander from homes, children with developmental delays who were separated from their family or carers, or young children who went missing in large crowds.
“In each of these situations, serious concerns are held for a person’s safety if they are not located quickly – making the SMS tool invaluable to first-responders,” he said.
Minister for Police, David Elliott, says the community “should never underestimate the crucial role they can play” in potentially saving someone from harm.
“If you receive this message, we ask that you keep your eyes out and help police to reunite someone with their loved ones,” he said.
DCS Bennett said under new systems, including establishing MPR in July 2019, only 18 cases reached 90 days and obtained long-term status last year.
