Indiana • Missing person • Silver Alert 2023

The Silver Alert program in Indiana is designed to locate and recover missing persons, especially those who may be in danger due to age, medical conditions, or other circumstances. This program was created in response to the increasing number of missing persons cases in the state, and it has proven to be an effective tool for law enforcement agencies in finding those who have gone missing.

The Silver Alert program is similar to an Amber Alert, which is used to locate missing children. However, the Silver Alert is specifically designed for adults who are 60 years of age or older, or for those who have a mental or physical disability. This program is also used for those who are believed to be in danger due to their circumstances, such as someone with Alzheimer’s disease who has wandered away from home.

The process of issuing a Silver Alert begins when a person is reported missing to law enforcement. If the missing person meets the criteria for a Silver Alert, the police department will activate the program and work with other agencies to locate the individual. The alert will be broadcasted through various media channels, including television and radio broadcasts, digital billboards, and highway signs.

The Silver Alert program has been successful in locating missing persons in Indiana. For example, in February 2021, a Silver Alert was issued for a 70-year-old man with dementia who had gone missing. Within a few hours of the alert being issued, the man was found safe and returned to his family.

However, not all missing persons are found alive, and the Silver Alert program has also helped bring closure to families in cases of tragedy. In August 2021, a Silver Alert was issued for a 76-year-old woman who had gone missing. Unfortunately, her body was found a few days later, but the alert helped bring attention to her disappearance and assisted in the investigation of her death.

The Silver Alert program is an important tool for law enforcement agencies in Indiana, but it also relies on the public’s help. Anyone who sees a person who matches the description in a Silver Alert is urged to call 911 immediately. The public’s involvement can make all the difference in locating a missing person and bringing them home safely.

In conclusion, the Silver Alert program in Indiana is a vital tool for finding missing persons, especially those who may be in danger due to age, medical conditions, or other circumstances. This program has proven to be effective in locating missing persons, and it is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and the public in Indiana to keep their communities safe.