over 300 safe assisted recoveries nationwide

Volume 4 - Issue 2
WHEN A CHILD IS MISSING CALL FROM ANY STATE 24/7/365
In this Issue:
New ACIM Alert Programs
The National Law Enforcement Museum
Seattle, WA
Sanford, ME
Siren, WI
Manton, MI
Valders, WI
Mayville, WI
Cedar Falls, IA
Waterford, CT
Wyoming, MI
Galena, IL
Yorkville, IL
Papillio
llion,
llio
n, NE
N
Papillion,
Chicopee, MA
North Smithfield, RI
Port Hope, MI
Lima, OH
Montezuma, IA
OVER 300 SAFE ASSISTED
RECOVERIES NATIONWIDE
Provo,
Prov UT
Middleton,
Middleto
Midd
leton,
leto
n, IN
IN
Knoxville,
e, MD
M
Logan
ogan,, OH
OH
Logan,
Mount
Mount Jackson,
Jackso VA
Jackso
Cincinna
Cinc
innati,
inna
ti, O
H
Cincinnati,
OH
Covington,
Covingto
Covi
ngton,
ngto
n, VA
V
Andover,
Andov
ndover,
er, KS
Zebulon,
NC
Zebu
LLatta,
atta,, SSC
atta
C
Chattano
Chat
Chattanooga,
tanooga,
tano
oga, TN
Gallup,
Gallup, NM
Simpsonville, SC
Hot Springs, AR
Cullman, AL
Boyd, TX
North Augusta, SC
Gray, GA
Cataula, GA
Kingsland, GA
Jacksonville, FL
PLEASE SHARE
__ Sheriff, Director, Chief
__ Children’s Services
Investigators
__ Detectives
__ Communications
__ Legislators
__ Senators
__ Congressmen/women
Tallahassee, FL
Baton Rouge, LA
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Naples, FL
PRESORTED STANDARD
US POSTAGE
PAID
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Permit No. 866
West Palm Beach, FL
Hallandale Beach, FL
IT CAN HAPPEN IN YOUR TOWN
BETTER TO BE PRO ACTIVE
BE ON TOP OF THE UNKNOWN
Programs Include:
CHILD ABDUCTION RESPONSE TEAM
(CART)
AIRPORT ALERTS
(CHILDREN & ALZHEIMER’S)
SCHOOL LOCKDOWNS
K-12
All of these programs are free to law enforcement.
Learn more about these programs for your community:
By email – [email protected] or
By phone – call Todd DeAngelis at 954.763.1288
Sherry L. Friedlander: Publisher
George Olsen: Photography
ACIM Overview
VOLUME IV, ISSUE 2
Reva WeinLaub: Editor
Monica Armstrong: Graphic Design
OFFICERS
Sherry Friedlander,
Chairman of the Board/Founder
David Lindemann, President, The Lindemann Group
Joris Jabouin, Vice President, BankUnited
Barry Mowell, PhD, Secretary,
Broward Community College
Ed Mena, CPA, Treasurer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Debrah B. Tracht, PA
Darren Epstein, Investigative Services
ADVISORY BOARD
Randy Avon – FL
Sheriff Robert Beracy – MI
Broward County Sheriff ’s Office
Chief Richard Bull – CA
Climb for America’s Children
Bob Cromwell, Executive Director of the
Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association – OH
Howard Forman, Clerk of Courts – FL
Georgia Sheriff’s Association – GA
Vernon Keenan, Director Georgia Bureau
of Investigation – GA
Director John Lucking – AK
Peggy Nordeen, Starmark – FL
William Pruitt, Govt. Liason – FL
Chief James Scarberry – FL
Sheriff Edmund M. “Ted” Sexton – AL
Chief Anthony J. Silva – RI
THE BOTTOM LINE by Sherry Friedlander
The Straw That Broke the Camel’s Back
For years now the cell phone and text messaging industry has grown in
leaps and bounds. This is a good thing. But, it has some drawbacks.
This morning on the way to work, I was headed west on 17th Street
Causeway in Fort Lauderdale when a car came out of the south,
through a no turn zone, and did a turn onto 17th Street. She was talking on her cell phone,
driving with one hand and not being very observant of the oncoming cars.
Another example: As I sat at a light waiting for it to change, I observed 10 cars, eight of the
drivers were on their cell phones while going through an intersection and turning left, in the
5:00 p.m. traffic.
It is really a dangerous instrument to have in your hand when you are driving in traffic,
or anywhere for that matter. Those who do this think they are invincible--that nothing will
happen to them; but too often it does--and to others who are the innocent victims.
This can’t just be me feeling the way I do about driving and useless chat on a cell, and putting
other peoples’ lives in danger… can it?
A few facts:
• Drivers talking on cell phone were 18% slower to react to brake lights.
• Drivers are distracted by a conversation; they may be looking, but don’t see what is going
on in the traffic around them.
• Chatty motorists are less adept than drunken drivers with blood alcohol levels exceeding
0.08.
• With younger drivers, including their loud music, everything gets worse. They made more
errors in detecting important changes and took longer to react to the traffic changes.
• Text messaging, or “texting” by teens, was found to be 19% text while driving. (Put this
picture in your head as you are on the same roadway).
• Switching to a hands-free cell is not really going to change the dangers that much.
Chief Mel Standley – FL
Chief Thomas Strelcher Jr. – OH
Lynn Underdown, US Border Patrol – FL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
14
15
ACIM OVERVIEW
TRAVEL: DISNEY
TAMPA C.A.R.T.
NATIONAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT
MUSEUM
CONFERENCES
CHILD SAFETY
EDUCATION PROGRAM
NEW PROGRAMS
RADKIDS
CONNECTICUT
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
KENTUCKY
16
17
18
20
21
22
23
24
MASSACHUSETTS
OKLAHOMA
PENNSYLVANIA
TENNESSEE
LEARNING THE ROPES
SISTER CITIES
CYL ALERTS
ROLE OF THE
DISPATCHER
25 THE NORMANDY GROUP
26 SUCCESS STORIES
28 ACIM ALERT PROGRAM
30 ONLINE AND
IN THE KNOW
Non-Profit Permit #1541
500 S.E. 17th Street #101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Tel: (954) 763-1288 • Fax: (954) 763-4569
(888) US5-ACIM (875-2246)
Email: [email protected]
www.achildismissing.org
Laws in various states that have taken action:
• Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, District of Columbia (I wish someone would tell the
cab drivers in DC this.)
• As of November 2006 14 states had passed laws banning or restricting young drivers from
using cell phones.
• Businesses are increasingly prohibiting workers from using cells while driving to conduct
business.
Court decisions: Companies have been held liable for an accident caused by a driver using a
cell phone. Millions of dollars have been awarded in various cases.
Health: Typical mobile phones radiate an average power of 0.2-0.6W. When hand-held and
operated close to the head, background levels are sharply distorted, with 40 percent of radiated
phone energy absorbed in the hand and the head. Some symptoms of cell phone use may
take years to show up such as: headaches, memory loss, mood swings (rage), fatigue, loss of
concentration, pain in hands or arms, sleep disorders and more.
With all of this said, “More should be done for the safety of all. But it seems we have to have
laws to make people aware of the danger they are causing. Most of all we have to want to
understand… it can happen to us.”
(for a list of sources please contact [email protected])
COVER: A Child Is Missing is 10 years old and has in the past 65 months had over 300 safe assisted
recoveries in the cities represented on the cover. Some of these cities have more than one safe assisted
recovery. Remember the Amber Alert and A Child Is Missing Alert Program as good partners. There is
always someone somewhere that has seen something. You now have the tools to use nationwide.
Printed in part by Grant #2005-JL-FX-K033 Awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice
Don’t Miss the Disney Show
Story by Sherry Friedlander
Photos by George Olsen
I
t had been nearly 20 years since George and I visited Epcot at Disney, Orlando and all we can both say
is, “What a change and how much has been added to make the trip so very enjoyable.”
In order to cope with the summer heat, we went to the park around 3:00 p.m. When you live in South
Florida you learn when to avoid the summer heat. We stayed at the Coronado Springs Hotel, where we
parked the car and took Disney Transportation to anywhere in the park area.
We could already see many changes as we entered Epcot. We knew this
would be an all afternoon and evening visit.
We visited the Universe of Energy, Innoventions, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, Living with the Land
(gives one a new concept in growing organic food) and enjoyed the rose gardens and fountain displays in
the entrance area.
On to Canada, the Totem Pole, Circle-Vision 360 film. There was a very
Hydroponic Organic Garden
picturesque waterfall, surrounded by boulders that you could walk around,
and a trading post. The Victoria gardens were so beautiful, especially if you
have visited the gardens in Canada and can see the resemblance between the two.
The United Kingdom with the Rose & Crown Pub, the English style architecture of
the English streets, tea shop, rose gardens and, of course, the Red Phone booth.
Canada
Off to France, with the Eiffel Tower, fabulous wine and perfume shops (wonderful
fragrances). We saw very nice gifts that anyone can use in the kitchen, wine area, and
other presents that would please anyone. Music of the country to get you in the mood
of Paris – all we needed was Toulouse-Lautrec.
While walking through Morocco, Japan and Germany, we admired the buildings which were
very authentic, and the music fit the setting. Different kinds of beer were being served.
Venice, Italy...almost like the real thing, especially the workmanship on the buildings. The
Trevi Fountain, Alfredo’s Restaurant (price was cheaper then in Rome), and a fun area.
France
On to China to see a Circle-Vision 360 film and enjoyed a live show of acrobatics
and dance. Qin Dynasty (221-210 BC) the first act of Qin Shi Huang before he
became the Emperor was to build a tomb for his after life. 700,000 laborers built an
underground city including a massive palace and a life size army with over 700 troops,
chariots and horses. We sampled the Chinese cuisine, wine and beers.
Japan
Norway – it was great to see the Stave church, since we have a photo in front of a Stave
style church taken when we were in Norway. It was fun to see the big trolls, quaint
streets and a huge Viking boat.
Italy
This is just a touch of what we experienced. We loved all the music around
Epcot, restaurants, various drinks you could purchase, and how the Cast was
always so helpful in keeping Epcot so clean. When you see the Cast members
picking up bottles and other trash left in their entertainment area, you know
they care.
Norway
Nobody does it better than Disney. We look forward to seeing their other
parks after 20 years! Don’t wait that long or you will miss a lot, because there
have been so many changes.
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China
Tampa C.A.R.T. Simulation
Resembles the Real Thing
Excercise in Brandon, Florida,
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
By Todd DeAngelis – CART Liaison
S
pecial Agent in Charge Lance Newman, Resident Agent in
Charge Al Danna, Special Agent Rick Ramirez, and Ellison
Smith, all of the Tampa Bay Region of the Florida Department of
Law Enforcement (FDLE), coordinated a mock child abduction
exercise of the Tampa Bay Region’s Child Abduction Response
Team (C.A.R.T.) on Tuesday, July 10th that assumed the random
nature typically only seen in real scenarios.
The Pasco County Missing Abducted
Child vehicle was the hub of keeping a
detailed running log of those on scene,
how long they were on scene, and why
they were on scene. St. Petersburg
Times photographer Ken Helle receives
a demonstration from Deputy Sergeant
Brett Landsberg of the Pasco County
Sheriff’s Office while FDLE Special
Agent Victoria Morris watches.
This simulation began with a 911 call from a woman in Edward
Medard County Park in Hillsborough County. The woman
reported she had left her 10-year-old daughter at a pavilion in
the park, went to her car for just a moment, and returned to
see her child had gone missing. Initially addressing the missing
case, investigators quickly learned it was an abduction. That
knowledge led to a phone call to A Child Is Missing to activate
all C.A.R.T. members. Upon further investigation, bloodhound
and K-9 units, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office helicopter,
the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Command
Center, and a Pasco County Mobile Child Abduction vehicle
were all dispatched to Medard Park, only after the scenario was
determined to be an abduction.
Initial responders to the scene of the
missing child receive the A Child Is
Missing C.A.R.T. notification call
mobilizing the team.
Team members process information
What followed was a detailed unfolding of events in which flyers at the mobile command post in the
fly-laden humidity of Edward Medard
of the victim were printed on scene, electronic logs were kept of
Park in Hillsborough County.
all people on scene, leads were processed and assigned, and teams
were put into action to search databases—all done in succession
as the random and authentic nature of the scenario unraveled.
FDLE Public Information Officer
Ultimately, the victim would be located in neighboring Polk
Trena Reddick checks a message as
Special Agent in Charge Lance Newman County while the suspect would be located in his vehicle in Pasco
County.
monitors the scenario’s progress.
Among the objectives of the simulation were to test notification
procedures through A Child Is Missing; bridge multi-agency
radio systems; identify and establish a telephone number for
tips; test and evaluate the leads tracking system and to exercise
special groups such as cell phone tracking, search and rescue,
bloodhounds, and air support.
Hillsborough County
Deputy Gary Herman with
Bloodhound Ruby after
tracking the sent of the victim
in the early morning hours at
Edward Medard Park.
C.A.R.T. members who responded to
the scene of the abduction are briefed
on the details of the incident at a
park pavilion adjacent to where the
abduction occurred.
Special Agent Al Danna gives the
thumbs up announcing the safe
recovery of the scenario’s victim
at a debriefing at the mobile
command post.
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Bruce Johnson, FDLE, briefs Deputy
U.S. Marshal and Task Force
Coordinator Scott Ley while Deputy
U.S. Marshal Chris Kipp observes.
C.A.R.T. members convene
at the command post and
begin processing leads to
expedite the investigation.
Separating Fact from Fiction:
The National Law Enforcement Museum
Article by Eshanthi Ranasinghe
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
T
he typical person’s experience with law enforcement is a rerun of Law & Order, a fender
bender, or maybe a speeding ticket. As fascinated as America is with the cop experience,
most people have no concept of what a real officer does and how she or he works daily to keep
them safe. They’ve never been able to tell fact from fiction; but, in four years, all that will
change.
In 2011, the National Law Enforcement Museum will open its doors to the public and begin
to tell the real story of American law enforcement. Through cutting-edge, experiential exhibits,
the Museum will give visitors a chance to understand what goes into law enforcement and
experience what it’s like to actually be a police officer.
The visitor’s experience will begin with training, getting ready to bear the important role of
being an officer of the law. In the Being an Officer Gallery, state-of-the-art exhibits will take
visitors through the rigorous education police officers receive. They can try out their defensive
driving techniques in high-speed driving simulators and test their skills in making split-second
decisions in a use-of-force judgment simulator. After they pass the test, adults and kids attend
roll call and can investigate a crime, moving from the crime scene to forensics, even a realistic
morgue.
After a look at law enforcement today, visitors will experience how policing started in the
History Gallery. From “Frontier Lawmen” to “Behind the Barricades” – policing during the
1960s and 1970s - visitors will walk America’s timeline and discover how our law enforcement
system developed over the years. Visitors can examine law enforcement on a global scale in
“World Beat,” and learn about the challenges posed by drug trafficking, terrorism and piracy.
National Law Enforcement Museum
Being an Officer Gallery
From these real experiences of American law enforcement, visitors will take on law enforcement
in the media, and find out what is fact and what is fiction in the Reel to Real Gallery. “Cop
Critique Theatre” will tackle pop culture perceptions using clips from familiar television
and film portrayals of law enforcement, with insightful commentary from real officers. The
“Motorola Dial 911 Emergency Call Center” will challenge visitors to act as a dispatcher and
make rapid responses to desperate calls for help.
Law enforcement is a vast and dynamic field. The DuPont Changing Exhibitions Gallery will
feature varying exhibits for specialized areas of law enforcement, significant topical issues, and
expanded stories inspired by the exhibition galleries. The Museum’s Public Forum and Research
Center will host discussions, lectures, conferences and educational programs, as well as indepth research opportunities in law enforcement history and safety.
Although Museum exhibits portray what officers go through every day, there’s an important
sacrifice that some officers are called to make – the sacrifice of their lives in the line of duty.
Their important, tragic acts of loyalty will be shared with visitors in the Museum’s Hall of
Remembrance. Visitors will get a chance to pay tribute to those officers who have sacrificed so
much so that we may live in safety and peace.
State-of-the-Art Shooting Simulator
Reel to Real Gallery
“Cop Critique Theatre”
The Museum’s importance lies in its dedication to portraying the real law enforcement
experience. Visitors will get a chance to discern the truth out of what they’ve heard and seen in
the media. Just as significantly, officers will get a chance to tell their side of the thin blue line
of the law that they walk along every day.
The National Law Enforcement Museum is a project of the National Law Enforcement
Officers Memorial Fund. For more information, including how to support the Museum, visit
www.LawEnforcementMuseum.org, or call 866.446.NLEM.
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Hall of Remembrance
CONFERENCES...
2007 APCO GULF COAST REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Held in beautiful and historic downtown Nashville, Tennessee, May 14-16, the
conference offered networking with communications professionals from across the
region. The theme of the 2007 Gulf Coast Regional Conference was “In Tune With
Communications.” Jody Clinard, TNAPCO President and Conference Chairman,
said, “Just like the great tunes coming from historic Music Row, no tune can sound
better to a citizen in need than the comforting tone of a trained Telecommunicator
on the other end of the line, or their reassuring voice on the radio of the responder at
a critical incident.”
ACIM Trainer K. Leigh Purdum was welcomed by Bill Witt, Executive Board,
Tennessee APCO, who serves Tennessee residents as a telecommunications specialist
and as an auxiliary Deputy Sheriff.
Tennessee APCO did a great job in hosting this event by bringing representatives from across the public safety
communications spectrum to present various topics to conference participants. Breakout sessions were designed
under three main topics: Dispatch Operations, Interoperability/ Homeland Security, and Technical Issues. Participants
were offered a wide range of training opportunities that included over 25 different topics. Over the three day event,
participants were able to choose from such topics as: Innovative Procurement, Interoperable Satellite Communications
for Disaster Recovery, NORAD 911-Western Air Defense, Public Safety IT, and A Child is Missing Alert Program.
The 2007 Gulf Coast Regional Conference not only offered top notch training opportunities but also allowed for the
all important networking of communications specialists.
KANSAS APCO CHAPTER HOLDS TRAINING SEMINAR
The semi-annual APCO Training Seminar was held in Hutchinson,
Kansas, a fairly small community, although like everywhere in the
US it is growing. Nearby, there is a community by the name of
Yoder. The Yoder community, created by a man with the last name of
Yoder, has a great piece of history. The little unincorporated town of
Yoder is made up of several very hospitable Amish families.
Approximately 200 communications officers were present during
training and all were very impressed with ACIM’s presentation.
Scott Ekberg, KS APCO 1st VP;
Shelly Haskin, Hutchinon-Reno County;
Sheriff David Walker; Lorraine Aitken;
Mary Messamore; Michele Abbott-Becker
Joanne Angell (ACIM point of contact with APCO) was outstanding
and had everything prepared. Ms. Angell was extremely impressed
with the program and will be utilizing it throughout her agency.
Many great questions were asked throughout the session; perhaps the best one was, “Can I leave and call my Chief
so we can sign up?” The program was a huge success not only for ACIM, but for the State of Kansas as participation
continually grows.
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If you can save one, you can save more...
By Sherry Friedlander
Photos by George Olsen
“Little Boy, come over here and get in my car, your Mom sent me to pick
you up.” the man said to the young boy.
“What’s the secret code?” Johnny asked staying on the sidewalk.
“What secret code?” the man replied.
With this reply the child ran back to school. The secret code was
“Jesus loves me.”
T
his was a life saved by A Child Is Missing Child Safety
Education Program.
Over the past three years the Child Safety Education Program has grown
from just a few sessions to relating to approximately 14,000 children.
The safety program was presented by trained teachers in Miami-Dade,
Broward, Palm Beach Co. (parts), Ormond Beach, and Daytona Beach.
Also, Museum of Science and Discovery, and Cinema Paradiso in Fort
Lauderdale.
Among some of the sponsors were: Bank of America Broward, Dade
Community Foundation, Code Red in Ormond Beach/Daytona, and
private donations. The law enforcement agencies participating were:
Hallandale, Hollywood, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise,
Lauderhill, Lighthouse Point, Cooper City, Deerfield, Plantation, Delray, Pompano,
Fort Lauderdale, North Miami, Aventura, Miami Gardens, and 15 areas in MiamiDade County.
The object of the program is to teach children the
basics of safety, such as a secret code with parents,
how to say “NO” and other basic points.
The children range in age from 6-12 years old.
The response from these children in the class was
exciting to see. They participated in discussions
and activities and learned to scream “NO.” You
needed a new set of ears when they were done
yelling!
Next year, with the State of Florida, private,
and law enforcement funding, the program is
expanding to various areas in Florida. A Child
Is Missing wants to be proactive for children.
We know if we teach them they can assist in
protecting themselves.
For more information about ACIM Child Safety Program contact Claudia Corrigan
at (954) 763-1288 or [email protected].
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Lt-Rt with sign: Representative Ellyn
Bogdanoff (FL), Sherry Friedlander &
Claudia Corrigan of ACIM
NEW ALERT PROGRAMS
FROM
A CHILD IS MISSING
I
n order to meet the needs of law enforcement’s ever changing face, A Child
Is Missing Alert Program has brought to the forefront programs that can
benefit your department and community.
We have kept our programs simple so they are easy to adapt to general
procedures. There are booklets available on all of the programs and will be sent
to you upon request.
SCHOOL LOCKDOWN/EVACUATION ALERT PROGRAM
Law enforcement agencies responding to threats at elementary, middle, and
high schools can use A Child Is Missing to provide valuable information not
only to the neighborhoods surrounding the school, but also to specific groups
of numbers provided by the school. Parents cell phone numbers, office phone
numbers, and home phone numbers can be entered into the A Child Is Missing
database and enable law enforcement to provide emergency information and
instruction to the school community. This Alert Program can serve to mitigate
chaos during and after a dangerous scenario on school grounds.
AIRPORT ALERT PROGRAM
Once an airport, or the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the
airport, provides key phone numbers to A Child Is Missing, the Airport Alert
Program can be used to search for missing children, the elderly, and the disabled
on an airport-wide or terminal-specific basis. In large crowded airports, this
program can be particularly effective in increasing the number of eyes helping
law enforcement search for a missing individual. This program is also a tool law
enforcement can use in an abduction when there is suspicion someone may be
trying to flee via airplane.
CHILD ABDUCTION RESPONSE TEAM (C.A.R.T.) NOTIFICATION PROGRAM
For years the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has worked
closely with A Child Is Missing as the resource to mobilize its C.A.R.T. By
providing A Child Is Missing with phone numbers of its team members, with a
single phone call to A Child Is Missing, all C.A.R.T. members can be mobilized
to a command post and set into action. The use of this Notification Program
is spreading throughout the United States. Search and rescue groups, citizen
search volunteers, and other groups can also utilize this Notification Program.
Various CART groups in these states--Florida, Alaska, Ohio, Indiana, and
Texas--are using the program successfully.
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radKIDS® &
Western New
England College
Score a Home Run
By Sherry Friedlander
I
f you want a bit of campus life, you could have found it last
spring in Springfield, Massachusetts at the POSSIBILITIES
conference.
Western New England College is a very involved supporter
of radKIDS® with part of the administration assisting in the
promotion of this very important nonprofit organization.
Erin Runnion; Steve Daley, Executive
Director, radKIDS; Judy Curran
radKIDS® is teaching kids the skills they need to protect
themselves without scaring them. They learn by seeing, hearing
and doing. Over 100,000 kids have been trained in the US.
Magi Bish &
Sherry Friedlander, Founder ACIM
Steve Daley, Executive Director of radKIDS® and Judy Curran,
Coordinator of radKIDS® at the College, coordinated the classes
and events for the attendees.
President Anthony S. Caprio and Barbara Campanella, VP
Marketing and External Affairs, welcomed the participants and
the presenters in their main auditorium. The dedication that was
shown from the president’s message was a joy to embrace.
Ed & Lois Smart;
Magi & John Bish
Approximately 125 people were in attendance, ranging from law
enforcement officers, nonprofit organizations, parents of victims
and presenters.
Among the topics – Gangs 101 by John Reis, Lt. Ret.;
Reenergizing Cold Cases by John Bish & Annemarie Miers,
Forensic Anthropologist; Potential of Search Operations, Bob
Smithers, Laura Recovery Center; Amber Alert & CART Teams,
Floy Turner; Finding Our Children in the Street, Dave Rogers,
Missing Children’s Task Force; Help Is Just a Phone Call Away,
Sherry Friedlander, ACIM; Team Hope, Abby Potash; and other
presenters.
Marcia Slacke, California &
Mary Lyall, New York
radKIDS® Instructors
Abduction Attempt Survivor
Candy McBride with Jeff Robinson
& Don Hallowell
The presenters delivered a variety of information that proved to
be a good learning experience for the attendees.
Also in attendance were John and Magi Bish, Ed and Lois Smart,
and Erin Runnion, parents of children that were abducted.
Candy McBride, 12 years of age, is a living example of the power
of radKIDS® to help children learn to protect themselves. The
program has continued to sustain her and give her courage as she
faced in court and helped put behind bars the man who tried to
abduct her. She was given a scholarship opportunity to Western
New England College.
Pete & Joyce Vanderpool
from the Santa Project
This was a very enjoyable and good experience.
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Floy Turner with
Conference Participants
Colchester & New Britain
Connecticut State Police Troop K hosted the first ACIM training in
Colchester that was well attended by nine different law enforcement
agencies with 40 officers in attendance. New Britain Police Department
hosted a second session attended by 17 law enforcement agencies attended
by over 40 individuals.
Lt. Tim Curtis & Sgt. Eric Zbierski,
Town of Groton PD
TFC Sonny Soler & TFC Tim Furman,
Connecticut State Police Troop E
The new “School Alert” Program offered by A Child Is Missing was extremely
well received, and many individuals expressed their gratitude that such a
valuable service is offered to their agencies at no cost. With the Virginia
Tech tragedy still fresh in their minds, many jurisdictions are reviewing
their emergency response procedures, active shooter procedures and their
emergency notification capabilities, not only for college and university
campuses within their jurisdictions, but their public/private high schools,
middle schools and elementary schools as well.
Pre-enrolling in the new School Lockdown/Evacuation Alert Program assists
these agencies by offering fast communication capabilities with teachers,
faculty and staff, as well as providing a method of contacting parents
efficiently in cases of high school, middle school or elementary school
evacuations or emergency closures. ACIM ‘s Airport Alert Program also
helps in the search of missing children and the elderly. Another program
offered is the College/University Emergency Alert Program. Please contact
ACIM for additional information, since a fee is involved for this program.
Officer Tim Edwards &
Officer Shannon Brosnan, Colchester PD
Trooper Diosta, Trooper Steve Bellandese &
Trooper Jim Tilley, Connecticut State Police
Detective Mike Desena, Lt. Bill
McKenna & Detective Brandy Boemmels,
Middletown PD
Lt. M. Darcy, Troop D Commanding
Officer; Lt. P. O’Hara, Eastern District
Major Crimes Division; Lt. R. Rush-Kittle,
Troop K Commanding Officer;
Major S. Fields, Eastern District
Commander Connecticut State Police
Dispatcher Chris Hammick &
Lt. Brian Smith, Vernon PD
Sgt. Bill Wagner, Sgt. Robert Martin,
Disp. Galan Mills & Youth Officer
Michael Macussi, City of Groton PD
Captain Max Lausier, Dispatcher Debi
Cahill, Admin Assistant Debbie Dabrowski
& Sgt. Mike Luba, Plymouth PD
Officer David Veloza,
Southern CT State University;
Mary Devlin, Chief Communications,
West Haven PD
Patrolman Casucci Armando & Patrolman
Art Fisher, Southern CT State University
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Connecticut
CONNECTICUT
K. Leigh Purdum, Trainer
F O ,
  J , 
   
   
 C
 
, A
. O  
 
 
C, 
  
  
 ACIM.
Florida
FLORIDA
Don Scarbrough, Trainer
West Coast of Florida
Central Florida
ACIM’s trainer Don Scarbrough visited over a 600
square mile area of Florida’s West Coast during June,
2007, which included the Counties of Levy, Dixie,
Gilchrist, Marion, Citrus, Hernando and Pasco.
Towns within these counties included Citrus City to
the north, New Port Richey to the south, and many
points in between including Cedar Key, a remote
area approximately 60 miles from Gainesville, with a
night-sky so devoid of light that national astronomy
groups hold star-gazing events there.
A Child Is Missing visited several counties in Central
Florida nestled amongst lakes and gentle hills. Central
Florida stretches from the oak-lined horse farms of
Marion County to one of the top tourist destinations
in the world–Orlando–to the fragrant orange groves
of Polk County. Many of Central Florida’s counties
host a myriad of activities from antiquing, camping,
fairs and festivals, equestrian, fishing, golfing, hiking
and natural tourism. Central Florida is a thrilling
combination of modern man-made attractions to
century-old natural beauty.
Vast tracts of public land have been preserved in many
areas and recreational opportunities include hunting,
fishing, birding, and hiking. New businesses and
their families are welcomed. Much of this beautiful
area is rural, a “Natural Florida” of years past.
Highlights of ACIM visits made on Florida’s West
Coast:
F J ,
  J , 
   
  , 
 F 
 ,, A
. O  
 
  F,
   
  
 ACIM.
• Cedar Key PD Chief Castell was updated on
new programs, as was Captain Jimmy Anderson
of Chiefland PD.
• Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy
Montgomery reported that the Sheriff administers
calls through its dispatch center.
• Williston PD Lt. Clay Connolly was very
supportive and impressed with all functions done
for CART, the School Lockdown program, and
the Sex Predator Notification program.
• Brooksville PD Lt. Rick Hankins & Detective
Randy Orman. Detective Orman was familiarized
with ACIM’s program.
• Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Steve
Klapka was told how his agency could save funds
by utilizing ACIM.
• Dade City PD Sgt. James Walters was advised on
how ACIM’s program works.
• Pasco County Sheriff’s Office was very impressed
with the program. Corporal Satre volunteered to
contact Sgt. Brian Prescott to request that their
department host a training.
• Port Richey PD Sgt. Robert Kern. Administrative
Assistant Rhonda Holland advised that the
ACIM pamphlet is already on display in their
department’s lobby and requested additional
copies.
Administrative packages were left with Citrus County
Sheriff’s Office, Cross City PD, Crystal River PD,
Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, Dunnellon PD,
Inglis PD, Levy County Sheriff’s Office, New Port
Richey PD, Trenton PD, and Zephyrhills PD.
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Highlights of ACIM visits made in Central Florida:
• Lady Lake PD Chief Ed Nathanson. Training
officer Lt. Wadkins was extremely interested in
the program, and was particularly excited about
using the video for roll call training.
• Lake County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Edwards was
quite excited, and is anxious to establish a training
session sometime this Fall.
• Astatula PD Chief CL Sink was extremely
supportive of the program, and was updated on
new features.
• Eustis PD Training Coordinator Lt. Ken
Birkhofer was updated on new resources, and is
very excited about setting up a training session
in early 2008.
• Groveland PD Chief Thomas Merrill. Training
Coordinator Lt. Jesse Baker was updated on new
resources and expressed particular interest in how
ACIM could assist with a growing problem his
department is experiencing with the number of
elderly Alzheimer’s and dementia patients living
in his jurisdiction.
• Lake Hamilton PD Chief Ed Freeman & staff
assistant Regina Pirtle. A very well received
presentation was hosted by Chef Freeman and
attended by Officer J. Blose, Lake Alfred PD, and
Sgt. Rick Bowman, Dundee PD.
The following were updated on new programs
offered by ACIM: Captain Rob Parish, training
instructor of Fruitland Park PD, Chief Robbins of
Howey-in-the-Hills PD, and Lt. Bill Bruce, training
coordinator of Mascotte PD.
Materials were left at Wildwood PD, Bellview
PD, Leesburg PD, Tavares PD, Mount Dora PD,
Umatilla PD, Clermont PD, and Lake Wales PD.
FLORIDA
St. Lucie County
By Don Fuchs
On Sunday, August 5th, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Department held a
Pre-Event Car Show to kick off their National Night Out Celebration. St.
Lucie Lanes, event sponsor, was packed with families and fun. Everyone
was treated to great Golden Oldies Music and refreshments. The hottest
cars this side of Motown were displayed, and free bike safety helmets were
given out to the kids.
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Banner
with ACIM Sign
Deputy Leroy Davis of the Crime Prevention Unit coordinated the event
which was highlighted by champions being crowned in three divisions:
Muscle Cars, Custom, and Classic Cars. Chief Deputy Garry Wilson
emphasized the importance of organizations such as A Child Is Missing
working side by side with law enforcement to help keep our communities
safe.
Florida
2007 National Night Out Against Crime
The Celebration continued on Tuesday, August 7th at Tradition Field, led
by Chief John Skinner and the Port St. Lucie Police Department. Live
music was provided and there were SWAT demonstrations. Police Dogs,
the Police Athletic League, Explorers and D.A.R.E. Officers were present.
St.Lucie County Deputy Leroy Davis,
Crime Prevention Unit, organizer of
St. Lucie Sheriff’s Pre-Event Car Show,
pictured with a custom black Chevy El
Camino, named “El-Meano Camino”,
employed in Youth Counseling Programs
about the dangers of street racing
Residents were also entertained by a St. Lucie Mets Game, benefiting the
Port St. Lucie Volunteer Crime Watch. A spectacular fireworks show,
which thrilled the crowd, was a fitting ending to a “DYNAMITE NIGHT
OUT.”
Jupiter
By Don Fuchs
A Child Is Missing would like to thank all of our wonderful law enforcement
agencies and Community and Corporate Partners nationwide for making
America’s National Night Out Against Crime such a huge success by
promoting safer communities for all of us in which to live.
The beautiful Abacoa Town Center provided a fabulous setting for the Town of Jupiter’s National Night
Out Celebration. Chief Frank Kitzerow of the Jupiter Police Department had plenty to be proud of as
his Community Activities Unit spearheaded the event. The Local Community Partners provided citizens
with the opportunity to meet and communicate with staff and to register for volunteer programs such as
the Community Emergency Response Team.
St. Lucie County Deputy Gary Gonsalves,
holding up the “On The Scene”
magazine and ACIM sign
Live music was enjoyed at the Town Center Amphitheatre. The family fun area provided a bounce house,
fun games, prizes, giveaways, and delicious food. There was also a demonstration by the Critical Response
Team. Displays included the K-9 Unit, Community Emergency Response Team, Criminal Investigations
Section, Marine Unit, Recruitment Division, and Communications Unit. A celebrity appearance by
”McGruff the Crime Dog” thrilled children and adults alike, putting an exclamation point on Jupiter’s
Super National Night Out Celebration.
For more information about America’s National Night Out Against Crime and how you can get involved
in your community please visit www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno.
Jupiter PD Information Booth
Officer Collins-Ortiz,
Recruitment Department
ACIM / Amberlink Table
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“McGruff the Crime Dog” &
Officer Rick DePaola, Jupiter PD
Community Activities Unit
Todd DeAngelis, ACIM
Moultrie
Moultrie, Georgia is the home of U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, who has
been a great friend of A Child Is Missing. Recently, ACIM’s Alert Program
was presented to members of the Moultrie Police Department and the
Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office. Both agencies learned how the program
would be implemented and applied within their respective agencies.
Highlights of discussion centered on the best use of this new program for
missing children, the elderly and disabled, and college students who go
missing from campus. An overview of the School Lockdown/Evacuation
Alert Program was also presented.
Due to previous commitments, Moultrie Chief of Police Frank Lang and
Colquitt County Sheriff Al Whittington were unable to attend. However,
they ensured that key personnel were on hand, including Captain Tommy
Rabon (Moultrie PD) and Tonero Bender (Colquitt County SO), making
the presentation a huge success.
Exterior of the Moultrie, Georgia
Police Headquarters
IN GOD WE TRUST
Georgia
GEORGIA
F D ,
  J , 
   
    
G 
 , A
. O  
 
  G,
   
  
 ACIM.
Sergeant R.A. Miller, Moultrie PD;
Lieutenant James Isaac, Moultrie PD;
Sergeant Roger Lindsay, Moultrie PD
On the outskirts of Moultrie, Georgia
a sign proudly displays the city as the
home of U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss
Officer Dave Underwood, Moultrie PD;
Captain Tommy L. Rabon, Moultrie PD;
Sergeant/School Resource Officer Tonero Bender, Colquitt CoSO
Moultrie PD patrol vehicle
parked outside headquarters
14
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Paducah
Paducah is a city in McCraken County, Kentucky whose history dates back
as far as 1815.
According to legend, Chief Paduke, a Native American, welcomed the
people traveling down the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. The settlers,
appreciative of his hospitality, lived in harmony and established a thriving
settlement. William Clark, famed leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition,
arrived in 1827 and surveyed and laid out the grid for a new town, which
remains evident to this day. The new city was named Paducah, in honor of
the Chief.
Captain Ed McManus and members of the Paducah City Police Department
hosted the ACIM training on May 17, 2007. Chief Randy Bratton presented
the opening remarks and welcomed representatives from law enforcement
agencies across the state. Jetta Weddington, Wilmore Police Department,
and Martin Shearer, Lexington Police Department, traveled over 250
miles to attend the training. Some of the other Kentucky law enforcement
agencies came from Eddyville, Mayfield, Murray, Owensboro and Caldwell.
Agent Phil Lewzader from the local Federal Bureau of Investigations field
office also attended the presentation.
Chief Randy Bratton,
Paducah City PD
Kentucky
KENTUCKY
K. Leigh Purdum, Trainer
Within three hours after concluding the training, staff at the headquarters of
ACIM in Fort Lauderdale, Florida had received seven telephone calls from
Kentucky law enforcement agencies requesting further training materials
for their law enforcement officers.
Detective Rob Estes & Capt Ed McManus,
Paducah City PD
Terri Reed, Mayfield PD
Lee Ann Clore, E-911 McCraken County
Chris Noel,
Caldwell CoSO
Brent Stinger & Lee Ann Clore,
McCraken County E-911
Rick Harris & Lisa Starks,
Murray PD
Chief Shane Allison,
Eddyville PD
Detective Michael Walker,
Owensboro PD
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Jetta Weddington,
Wilmore PD
F A , 
 J , 
   
    
K 
 , A
. O  
 
 
K, 
  
  
 ACIM.
Massachusetts
F O ,
  J , 
   
   
 M
 
, A
. O  
 
 
M,
   
  
 ACIM.
MASSACHUSETTS
Chief Joseph Rebello, Trainer
Andover
A sincere “Thank You” goes out to Chief Brian Patullo who recognized
the value of this Alert Program and decided to host the session to bring
awareness of its availability to the area. Recognition also goes out to
Sergeant John Pathiakuis. His efforts played a key role in ensuring that the
training session came together. Sergeant Robert Cronin gave of his time
and effort to ensure that the presentation was successful.
Chief Brian J. Patullo of the Andover Police Department hosted ACIM at
the Andover Public Safety Center on June 25, 2007. Chiefs in attendance
were Malden Police Department’s Chief Ken Coye, Merrimac Police
Department’s Chief James A. Flynn, Newburyport Police Department’s
Chief Thomas Howard, Marblehead Police Department’s Chief Robert
Picariello, and Reading Police Department’s Chief James Cormier.
Chief Brian Patullo, Andover PD
Approximately 60 attendees came from Andover, Malden, Newburyport,
Tewksbury, Lincoln, Marblehead, Manchester, Carlisle, Reading, West
Newbury, Danvers, Boxford, Groton, Shirley, Stoneham, Rowley, Merrimac,
Lexington, Hopkinton, Lynn, Holliston, North Andover, Woburn, and
Somerville. Also in attendance were attendees from the Boston FBI, Andover
State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Environmental
Police Department, and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.
The Training Session was provided to teach law enforcement how to utilize
this nationwide service that assists in searching for missing persons in those
crucial moments immediately after someone goes missing.
Sgt. John Pathiakuis,
Andover PD
Lt. James McIntyre, Stoneham PD
Chief James Murphy,
Chelmsford PD
Chief Robert Picariello,
Marblehead PD
Sgt. Rich McCarthy &
Dispatcher Ryan J. Farrell, Lincoln PD
Lt. Leo Crowe, Carlisle PD
Lt. Joseph Gibbons,
Woburn PD
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Ardmore
Ardmore, Oklahoma is a progressive, attractive city bustling with activity.
Founded before statehood, Ardmore has a rich heritage and proud history
which has been preserved and can be seen with a walk through the
downtown area. Many of the historic structures have been preserved and
are still in use. A walking tour of the downtown area should include the
Carter County Courthouse as well as many Main Street structures that are
on the National Registry of Historical Places. Its refurbished brick sidewalks
add to the charm of this historic tradition.
Ardmore Convention Center
ACIM was welcomed to Ardmore in June 2007 by a small group of eight
officers during a conference held in the downtown Ardmore Convention
Center. Those attending were impressed that the program was of no cost to
law enforcement. Although the size of the class was small, the overwhelming
interest in ACIM was extremely high. A press conference was held, which
was a wonderful way to share an overview of the ACIM program to all
in attendance. The presentation was very successful and participation will
continue to grow.
Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA
Patrick Stewart, Trainer
From February 27, 2004 to July 26, 2007 there have been a total of 128 cases
in Oklahoma resulting in 165,065 Alert calls. Of the 382 law enforcement
agencies in Oklahoma, 52 have letters of participation on file with ACIM.
Patrick Stewart, ACIM Trainer;
Barbara Miller;
Kevin Ward, Commissioner of the
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
A Spokesperson for A Child Is Missing …
A Child Is Missing is so proud to have our associates’ children be a part of our organization,
because they spread the word about what we do to help others.
Rachel Silber works in the accounting department at ACIM. Her daughter, Rona Pauline
Silber, who attends Stirling Elementary School in Hollywood, Florida, was chosen by chance
to speak to the media when she arrived back to school after summer vacation. School
Superintendent Jim Notter was also there to welcome the children back.
Although Rona, only 7½ years old, thought it would be a regular back-to-school day at
Stirling Elementary, she was asked by Superintendent Notter, “What do you want to be
when you grow up?” Rona answered, “A Librarian, because I love to read. I got a special
award last year because I read over 400 books and this year I will read even double!” “I love
it!” Mr. Notter replied. “We need more good County employees. Come back to me when
you finish school and I promise you a job!”
Rona Silber &
School Superintendent Jim Notter
But Rona continued, “Do you know that my Mom has the best job already. She works at A
Child Is Missing® and this is very, very important!” She yelled to her Mom, “Give him your business cards!” Rona took the cards
from her Mom and gave them to all the media reporters there. Mom Rachel added, “She is the best ACIM ambassador!”
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Pennsylvania
F S ,
  J , 
   
   
 P
  ,
A . O
 , 

 
P, 
  
  
 ACIM.
PENNSYLVANIA
Chief (ret.) Marlin Price, Trainer
Pittsburgh
ACIM was welcomed to Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Chief Leo
McCarthy of Moon Township PD hosted training for 57 officers, including
eight chiefs. Lou Lazzaro, former state police officer, who now works with
Congressman Tim Murphy, stated that “Congressman Murphy is well aware
of the benefits of the program and the fact that the program is dependent
upon federal funding. He is committed to doing whatever is necessary to
assist Pennsylvania law enforcement by providing them with the tools they
need.” Two local newspapers attended a press conference preceding the
training program.
Attendees at the Moon Township PD were Captain Gary Seamon & Chief
Leo McCarthy; Upper Saint Clair Township PD Ron Flescher; Bell Acres
PD Chief Delach & Brian Brown; Dormont Borough PD Tom Shaheen;
West Mifflin PD Terri Savage & Mike Ragan; East McKeesport PD Chief
Russ Stroschein; Turtle Creek PD Mike Pruey; Wilkins Township PD Rob
Schlanger; Churchill PD Steve Shaulis; North Versailles PD V.J. DeCenzo;
Pleasant Hills PD Joe Kenney; Upper Saint Clair PD Bob Williams &
Russ Rauch; City of Pittsburgh PD Tracy Clinton & Georgene Schanck;
Cecil Township PD Keith B. Strain & Mark Marcucci; Trafford Township
PD Carmen Disso & Mike Socci; Greentree PD Chief Bob Cifrulak;
Edgeworth PD Chief John English; Sewickley PD Chief Herbert Ford;
Office of Congressman Tim Murphy Lou Lazzaro; and Pennsylvania State
Police Jeff Fisher & Chris Neal.
Chief Russ Stroschein,
East McKeesport PD;
Mike Pruey, Turtle Creek PD
Chief Bob Cifrulak, Greentree PD;
Chief John English, Edgeworth PD;
Chief Herbert Ford, Sewickley PD
V. J. DiCenzo, North Versailles PD;
Joe Kenney, Pleasant Hills PD
City of Pittsburgh
Captain Gary Seamon &
Chief Leo McCarthy, Moon Township PD;
Marlin Price, ACIM Trainer
Terri Savage & Mike Ragan,
West Mifflin PD
Ron Flescher,
Upper Saint Clair Township PD;
Brian Brown & Chief Delach,
Bell Acres PD;
Tom Shaheen, Dormont Borough PD
Carmen Disso & Mike Socci,
Trafford Township PD
Tracy Clinton & Georgene Schanck,
City of Pittsburgh PD
Keith B. Strain & Mark Marcucci,
Cecil Township PD
Lou Lazzaro,
Office of Congressman Tim Murphy;
Jeff Fisher & Chris Neal,
Pennsylvania State Police
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Harrisburg
Hershey’s Chocolate World
Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania and home to Gettysburg, is in
Lancaster County in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Lancaster
County’s breathtaking scenery and unique attractions make it a slow-paced
family summer vacation spot where tourists can capture the scenic beauty
of historic wooden covered bridges, restored churches and stone mills.
Windmills dot the landscape at America’s oldest Amish settlement, where
thousands still live a centuries-old horse and buggy lifestyle. The Amish are
involved in agriculture and an array of cottage industries and visitors are
invited to enjoy many of their foods and crafts.
The ACIM training at Harrisburg was hosted by the Lower Swatara PD
and attended by 36 officers and supervisors, including two chiefs, from
19 agencies. Chief Richard Wiley recognized ACIM as vital to their
community. Town Commissioner Franklin Linn was proud to support such
an outstanding program. District Magistrate Michael Smith reported that
ACIM is imperative for his area. Chief Wiley gave interviews to two local
TV stations and one major newspaper.
Detective Thomas M. Shawk, Chief
Richard Wiley, Township Commissioner
Franklin Linn, & District Magistrate
Michael Smith, Lower Swatara PD
Attendees at the Lower Swatara PD were Chief Richard Wiley, Detective
Thomas Shawk, Township Commissioner Franklin Linn & District
Magistrate Michael Smith; Harrisburg Bureau of Police Captain Cindy
Baldwin & Detective Rodney Shoeman; Carlisle PD Lt. Michael Dzezinski
& Dispatcher Ed Martin; Camp Hill PD Michael Hope; Dauphin County
PD Andrew Dixon & Emily Del Regno; Pottsville Bureau of Police Captain
Ronald Moser & Detective Steve Guers; and Susquehanna Township PD
Det. Michael Proper.
Andrew Dixon & Emily Del Regno,
Dauphin County PD
Captain Ronald Moser &
Detective Steve Guers,
Pottsville Bureau of Police
Michael Hope, Camp Hill PD
Detective Michael Proper,
Susquehanna Township PD
Captain Cindy Baldwin &
Detective Rodney Shoeman,
Harrisburg Bureau of Police
Lt. Michael Dzezinski &
Dispatcher Ed Martin, Carlisle PD
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Pennsylvania
PENNSYLVANIA
Chief (ret.) Marlin Price, Trainer
“We must do
everything we can to
protect our children
– this program is
imperative for our
area.”
- Michael Smith
District Magistrate
Tennessee
TENNESSEE
Robert Hahnke, Trainer
Eastern Tennessee – Knoxville and Surrounding Areas
A Child Is Missing was recently introduced to Eastern Tennessee, whose
largest city is Knoxville, considered a rapid growth area within the New
South. A place with a moderate climate that’s as friendly and accommodating
as its people, with its southern hospitality, this scenic area is made up of
communities that pride themselves on a friendly “small town” atmosphere,
although Knoxville ranks as the third largest city in the state. Nestled in a
broad valley between the Cumberland Mountains to the northwest and the
Great Smoky Mountains to the southeast, Knoxville is less than a two hour
drive to five national parks, including Great Smoky Mountains National
Park, seven state parks, and seven lakes, where opportunities abound for
outdoor recreation, scenic tours and relaxation.
Assistant Chief Terry Cannon &
Captain Terry Webb, Greeneville PD
Knoxville PD, Captain Gary Holiday & Chief Sterling Owen
Training began with Captain Gary Holiday, coordinator for the Amber Alert
in Eastern Tennessee, who was very impressed and anxious to proceed.
Sevierville PD, Chief Don Myers
Public Relations Officer Bob Stahlke was briefed.
Greenville PD, Chief Mack Johns
Assistant Terry Cannon and Captain Terry Webb were extremely
enthusiastic.
LaFollette PD, Chief Ben Baird
Officer David O. Cole is eager to promote the program.
F J ,
  J , 
   
    
T 
 , A
. O  
 
 
T, 
  
  
 ACIM.
Officer David O’Cole, Missing Persons
Coordinator, Lafollette PD
Sweetwater PD, Chief Eddie Byrum
Chief Byrum, initially unaware of the program, became an enthusiastic
supporter, holding a press conference announcing that his Department
would be coming on board.
Cleveland PD, Chief Wes Snyder
Assistant Chief Gary Hicks and the 911 Coordinator were extremely
excited.
Monteagle PD, Chief Virgil McNeece
Impressed, Chief McNeece will speak to the Sheriff’s Department about
joining the program.
Chief Eddie Byrum, Sweetwater PD &
Bob Hahnke, ACIM Trainer
Murfreesboro PD, Chief Glenn Chrisman, Chief Roy Fields &
Captain Guthrie
Chief Fields and Captain Guthrie were both very eager to know about the
program on a personal basis with Trainer Hahnke.
Athens PD, Chief Charles Ziegler
Already a part of the program, Chief Ziegler was updated.
The following were briefed and materials were left:
• The Communications Officers of Alcoa PD, Manchester PD,
Cookeville PD, and Tullahoma PD
• Sevierville PD’s Public Relations Officer Bob Stahlke
• Detective Richard Foschino, Campbell County Sheriff’s Office
• Jacksonville PD’s Communications Supervisor
• Chief Young’s Adm. Assistant of Winchester PD
• McMinnville PD’s Dispatch Center
• Shelbyville PD
• Communications Officer Betty of Lebanon PD
• Hendersonville PD’s on-duty officer
Assistant Chief Gary Hicks, Cleveland PD
Chief Virgil McNeece, Monteagle PD
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Learning the Ropes
By Eric Olsen, Registered Agent, Odessa, TX
W
hen you agree to become a registered agent for A Child Is Missing (ACIM), you are not quite sure what your
responsibilities will be. Mostly, one attests to knowing A Child Is Missing and that you live in the state ACIM
is registering.
This summer I wanted to experience just what went on at the national
headquarters and be a part of what happens there every day. My full
time job as a teacher at Bonham Middle School in Odessa, Texas gives
me satisfying experiences teaching English, but I wanted to learn more
about ACIM and be of greater value to this exciting organization when
I am at meetings in Austin. I wanted to really have the experience of
saving a child’s life so that I can be more effective when I speak with the
legislative bodies.
By participating in the office I learned the procedure and the rewarding
feeling you get when a child is safely recovered. I’ll share what happened
during my visit.
Tiffiany D. Garcia, ACIM;
Traveling from Odessa
Eric Olsen, TX Registered Agent; &
to Ft. Lauderdale for my
Randy Rogers, ACIM
training with ACIM, I was
filled with anticipation and a sense of purpose. My first day of training
involved several meetings and hands-on experience. While being briefed
on the mechanics of how the process works, three separate calls came
in from different states. In just two hours three police departments had
activated calls – which were favorably resolved with children returned
safely. With this experience I
became acutely aware of how
Zak Kauffman, student (standing); Eric Olsen,
important, efficient and effective
TX Registered Agent; Ron Bannis, ACIM; &
A Child Is Missing can be in the
Paul Cipplaone, student, doing their school
safe recovery of children. Anyone
volunteer hours at ACIM
who witnesses this activation of
the system in real time, and follows through to the successful conclusion, will be
changed forever.
On a side note, my time in Ft. Lauderdale was filled with great weather and
vacation experiences. When you go, be sure to take advantage of the many
amenities offered by Ft. Lauderdale. Besides beautiful beaches and a nightlife
that is filled with live entertainment, Ft. Lauderdale offers great fishing. Try
your luck Sword fishing at Fishing Headquarters that offers a unique all-night
experience for less than $150.00 and daytime drift fishing for as little as $30.00.
When I returned to Texas I brought home a cooler full of fish and great pride in
my role as a Registered Agent for A Child Is Missing.
21
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“The fishing was good!”
T
here are so many cities and towns in America that A
Child Is Missing Alert has not touched. When you
have an international conference in your backyard, one
would tend to take advantage of meeting Congresspersons,
mayors, and other influential individuals from around
the world. In this case, the 2007 Sister Cities Annual
Conference was held at the Broward County Convention
Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The program stresses a way for nations to learn about one
another, and also share knowledge about their countries.
Cities helping cities.
Bob Clothier; Claudia Corrigan, ACIM;
Ted Mena, Commissioner, Coral Springs;
Tiffany D. Garcia, ACIM
This year, the attendees visited the Seminole Hard
Rock Hotel and Casino, Hyatt Pier 66 Hotel, Broward
Performing Arts Center, Villa Vizcaya, Coconut Grove
and other attractions.
Among some of the sponsors were: Citrix, City of Fort
Lauderdale, Broward County Convention and Visitors
Bureau, FAU, Spirit Airlines, Comcast, Padco, City of
Hollywood, Florida, Broward Center of the Performing
Arts, Nova Southeastern University, Total Wine, Premier
Beverage, Museum of Discovery and Science, United
Airlines, BCC and many more local sponsors.
Tiffany D. Garcia, ACIM;
Wheelchair Foundation rep Alan &
Jack Drury of the Wheelchair
Foundation of Florida
Traver Gruen-Kennedy, Chair DDP;
Nana Sarpong Omahene of Agogo, Ghana,
along with Ghana delegates
Next year the conference will be in Kansas City, Missouri.
Don Fraser & City Clerk of Virginia
Beach, VA Ruth Fraser
M. Carr, S. Rice, C. Casex, J. Patterson,
A. Chambers, D. Nelson, from the
Newry Mourne District Council Ireland
Elizabeth Ellis, ACIM, &
Cherri Penne-Myers,
Newport Beach, CA
Maria Bulco & Ellen Peacock,
Elk Grove, IL
Barbara Roscoe, Columbus, OH &
Randy Rogers, ACIM
Earl Saunders, President,
San Diego Sister Cities
Nick Molle, Estes Park, CO,
EPTV Channel 8
Sister Cities
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David Lind & Ronald Fritz,
President Belleville, IL Sister Cities
CYL ALERTS
“Why wait for someone else to make a difference?”
T
he Center for Youth Leadership was established in 1998 when six students at Brien McMahon High School
in Norwalk, Connecticut decided to start a youth activism organization. The mission of the Center for Youth
Leadership is to promote youth-led social change.
DOLLS AND TEEN DATING VIOLENCE
HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN
“It worked in Norwalk,” said Dan
Goldstein of the Mayor’s Youth
Leadership Council (MYLC) at
Stamford High School. “It’s gotta
work here.” Dan was talking about
the Dolls Project, which was first
implemented by the Peace Project at
Brien McMahon High in Norwalk in
October 2006.
The Peace Project’s 4th Annual
Celebrate Freshmen Program kicked
off on May 23 with a visit to Ponus
Ridge Middle School in Norwalk.
Celebrate Freshmen includes small
group discussions with eighth graders;
High School 101, which is a summer
orientation for incoming freshmen to
Brien McMahon High; and Day One,
which includes lots of fun and serious
activities on the first day of school for
ninth graders.
“It’s a simple activity,” said Charlotte
Sawyer of the Peace Project. “You
buy these knock-off Barbie-like dolls.
You attach a business-size card to
each doll. The card has a stat about
dating violence and a hotline number.
And you place the dolls in businesses
around town. It was a big hit when
we did it last year in Norwalk. We’re
really happy that MYLC, our partner
program, decided to do it in Stamford.”
Photo courtsey of www.gocyl.com
“Going to the middle schools is always
a lot of fun,” said Christina Turmelle
of the Peace Project. “You get to see
some former teachers and they always
say, ‘You’ve gotten so big’, and you
have a serious discussion with eighth
graders about life at McMahon.”
But the visit is just an introduction. “You can cover only
so much in 40 minutes,” said Kelley Meier of the Peace
Project. “It’s a great way, though, to tell them about High
School 101, which many freshmen have told us is a great
way to start off at McMahon.”
MYLC’s activity started with breakfast at the Parkway Diner
on High Ride Road. Over pancakes and bagels, Eunice
Chun, Dan Goldstein, Alexa Petersen, Kailey Stockenbojer,
Danielle Shapiro and Andrea Soto mapped out routes to 56
businesses.
The visit to the middle schools has its share of questions.
Here is funny question #1 from our visit to Ponus Ridge:
“Who is going to walk us to the cafeteria for lunch?” Funny
question #2: “How long is recess?”
“Let’s focus on smaller places that are popular with teens,”
said Danielle. “Stay away from the chain stores – Staples,
Borders – because they need the permission of corporate
managers.”
Cassy Jean, a member of the Peace Project, stifled her
The group traveled around Stamford from 11 AM to 3 PM
laughter long enough to say: “It’s high school. No one walks
asking businesses to display the doll. “The reaction was
you anywhere. And recess? Recess is hanging out in the
pretty positive,” said Andrea. “We had about five or six
cafeteria with friends during lunch. The only recess you get
places that wanted nothing to do with us. All of the others
is gym class.”
were great. A lot of them wanted a bunch of dolls to place
around the store. This was a great activity about teen dating
violence.”
For more information, please contact:
Center for Youth Leadership at Brien McMahon High School
300 Highland Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06854
203/852-9488 or www.GoCYL.com
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
By Steven Ray, Des Moines and Atlantic State Patrol Communications
T
here is a job
description for
most every public
safety
dispatcher
position, but to
actually define the
role of an emergency
dispatcher
to
someone that does
not know much
about the job can
be one of the most
difficult to explain.
Dispatchers deal with the emotional side of the 911 call for
the most part. By the time the responders arrive, people
tend to calm down as they psychologically feel their help has
arrived. We forget that until help arrives, people’s emotions
do run high and, whether they are screaming, crying, and,
yes, sometimes cursing at the dispatchers, the dispatcher must
remain calm, responsive and professional at all times. It can be
trying to even the most seasoned of dispatchers, but I can say
that I have worked with and supervised many dispatchers that
I feel honored and confident can handle this type of stressful
atmosphere. Our citizens are, to say the least, very well served
by our public safety dispatchers.
Like our police, fire, and EMS personnel, emergency
dispatchers work 24/7 to provide this essential service to the
public. They work hard at their jobs while trying to provide
support to their families at home, working odd shifts, hours
and, many times, weekends and holidays, as required. We are
all busy with our careers and lives, but please take a moment
to remember the very special people who sacrifice not only
their personal lives to accommodate their professional lives as
dispatchers, but whose service all too often goes unrecognized
as they are truly an essential part of the entire realm of law
enforcement and emergency services.
911 dispatchers are
as unique a blend
of people as you can
find in any business.
In fact, dispatchers
are known to be, often times, more capable of handling stressful
situations than the police and firemen they work along side on
a daily basis, while serving to protect the lives of our men and
women in uniform. Ironically, police, fire and ambulances are
not the “first responders” as is usually thought to be. It is, in
fact, the 911 dispatcher that is the first to respond to that call
for help.
Dispatchers are trained to serve the public, but they are also
trained to put the safety of the police, fire and EMS responders
at top propriety. A dispatcher will always tell you that their
main goal is to go home at the end of their shift and know that
no one they work with on the street was hurt or injured. It is
an awesome responsibility when you think about it, but they
all step up and do it every day, every hour, and every minute
to protect and serve in all ways.
The concerned citizen calling in a possible drunk driver on
the road, the excited neighbor calling about the house on fire
next door, the frantic and desperate mother dialing 911 after
her child has stopped breathing from choking on a piece of
candy, are just a few examples of what your community’s 911
dispatchers encounter on a daily basis. The types of calls run
far and wide as your imagination can muster. After many years
of doing this type of work, a dispatcher becomes accustomed
to the fact that nearly every call is different and there is nothing
‘routine’ about our work.
As a long time dispatcher and now a supervisor that manages
two 911 communications centers, I can assure you that
our public is served with honor and distinction by our 911
dispatchers. They are a great group of individuals, and, if you
ever have the opportunity to know, or talk to one, please let
them know how much you appreciate their service.
On September 11, 2001, the 911 dispatchers that took the
horrific calls from people trapped inside the Twin Towers
will forever have the voices of those people recorded in their
memory. They will always recall, for many years down the road,
those futile calls for help from people whose last conversation
they ever had was with that 911 dispatcher.
Many times the public fails to see that the real burden in
emergency services falls in the lap of our dispatchers. They are
the first to act to provide that “seconds save lives” service that
the public expects and, yet, many times the dispatchers never
know the outcome of the call on the street unless they take the
time to follow-up and find out what happened.
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The Normandy Group Addition…
A
Child Is Missing wants to congratulate the addition of Former
Representative Henry Bonilla (TX) as a partner to the firm of The
Normandy Group. The event was held at the Sonoma Restaurant &
Wine Bar.
The Normandy Group, L.L.C. is a bipartisan government relations firm
comprised of an experienced and dedicated team of professionals.
Most recently, Mr. Bonilla served as Chairman of the House
Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development,
FDA and Related Agenices. He was recognized by Congress.org as one
of the most influential members of the House of Representatives in its
Power Ranking.
The party was a Who’s Who from the Hill, all wishing Henry great
success.
Among some of the other guests were: Rachel Baurassa and Michael
Rose, The Normandy Group; Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, TX;
Rep. Kay Granger, TX; Rep. Randy Neugebauer, TX; Rep. Kenny
Marchant, TX; Rep. John Doolittle, CA; Cathy Harper, UPS; Laura
Parks and Tim Sanders.
Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA) & wife
Louis Dupart, The Normandy Group; Arlene Lewis; Rep. Randy Neugabauer
Former U.S. Rep Henry Bonilla (TX),
John Bode & wife
(R-TX); Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
Randy Fortune, American Systems
The Normandy Group;
Commissioner
Denise Bode (R-OK)
Corporation; Stanley Skocki,
Sheila & Doug Gregory,
The Normandy Group
Van Scoyoc & Assoc.
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX);
Shannon Russell, Department of
Liz Williams, National Rifle
Transportation; Abigail Blunt, Kraft
Association; Scott Gunningham, LA;
Foods Government Relations &
Linda Laughlin & husband
Christine Pellerin,
Britton Clarke,
wife of Republican Whip
Former U.S. Rep Greg Laughlin (TX)
The Normandy Group;
American Trucking Association
Roy Blunt of Missouri;
D’Anna Tindal, Stanfield Tindal, Inc.
Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-TX)
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SUCCESS STORIES
A Child Is Missing Alert Program has assisted in 285 safe recoveries of missing children and adults from
areas all over the country. These success stories confirm the fact that citizens are willing to help in the
search once they have been made aware of the problem through the A Child Is Missing Alert Program.
Papillion, Nebraska
Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department
Owings Mills, Maryland
Baltimore County Police Department
June 16, 2007 – After the A Child Is Missing Alert Program
launched more than 2,900 alert calls looking for a missing 14year-old boy, the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office received a call
that the boy had been seen sifting through garbage cans four to
six blocks from where he had last been seen. Sergeant Shukis,
who originally phoned the Alert Program, thanked A Child Is
Missing and said the alert calls worked well. The boy had been
missing for three hours when Shukis called technician Kari
Jimenez, who launched the calls.
June 13, 2007 – When A Child Is Missing technician
Jimenez answered the phone just after 6:00 pm, it was Officer
Daugherty of the Baltimore County Police Department on the
other end of the line. A 75-year-old man with Alzheimer’s had
gone missing three hours earlier and Daugherty was seeking
help from the ACIM Alert Program. Jimenez quickly mapped
the Owings Mills area where the man had last been seen and
launched more than 3,300 alert calls there. Approximately 25
calls were received by Baltimore County PD in response to
the alert calls. One of those 25 calls led officers directly to the
missing man.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle Police Department
Sanford, Maine
Sanford Police Department
May 1, 2007 – A Child Is Missing was called upon by the
Seattle Police Department for assistance with a missing
76-year-old woman. The woman was reported missing at
approximately 7:30 pm. ACIM placed over 1,200 calls to the
area. According to Detective David Ogard, she was located
by a man who received the ACIM Alert call before going out
for a run. “When his dog started acting funny near a bush, he
went to investigate and found the missing woman, who had
fallen and was not able to get up. He waved down a patrol car
searching in the neighborhood,” stated Detective Ogard.
May 26, 2007 – Sanford, Maine police found a two-year-old
girl wearing a diaper and needed to locate her parents. At
10:50 am that day Sanford Police Sergeant Anderson called
A Child Is Missing and provided a description of the girl to
technician Elsie who entered the information into the Alert
Program database, recorded an alert message requesting anyone
with information regarding the child’s parents or guardians to
call Sanford Police. Within 10 minutes of the alert call launch,
a resident of the area called police and provided information
that enabled police to reunite the child with her family.
Guyton, Georgia
Effingham County Sheriff’s Office
Lima, Ohio
Lima Police Department
April 21, 2007 – A Child Is Missing does much more than
search for missing children. The Alert Program was called by
the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office regarding a 16-year-old
fugitive on the loose in Guyton. In this case, the fugitive was a
suspect in a stabbing. The alert call, with the primary purpose
of ensuring the safety of the community by warning citizens
of the dangerous individual at large, was launched by the
ACIM technician. The call created a valuable alert citizen who
saw the person she had just heard described on the call she
received. She immediately phoned the number the technician
provided in the message which led Effingham Sheriff’s Office
Deputies to a foot chase after the juvenile suspect resulting in
his apprehension.
June 5, 2007 – Approximately 30 minutes after Lima, Ohio
Police called A Child Is Missing to activate the Alert Program
the Lima dispatcher fielded a call that led to the recovery of a
missing seven-year-old child. At 3:21 in the afternoon on that
day, Sergeant Coon and Lieutenant Swygart were working a
case for a child who had gone missing less than two hours
earlier. ACIM technician Derejre launched more then 2,800
alert calls to the area adjacent to the 600 block of Calumet
Street in Lima where the child had last been seen. An alert
citizen who received one of the alert calls notified Lima Police
and led them to the missing child.
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SUCCESS STORIES
Paw Paw, Michigan
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office
Waterloo, Wisconsin
Waterloo Police Department
May 21, 2007 – A 15-year-old boy had gone missing from
the city of Paw Paw shortly after 9:00 am on Monday. After
responding to the 911 call for help, the Van Buren County
Sheriff’s Office activated the A Child Is Missing Alert Program
to augment their search efforts. Deputy Trevor Tate efficiently
relayed vital identifying information to ACIM technician
Vazquez, who effectively mapped the area surrounding the
30,000 block of Red Arrow Highway where the boy had last
been seen. A Child Is Missing stayed on the case with Deputy
Tate, expanded the calling area twice, and ultimately recipients
of the alert calls provided two positive identification locations.
This led deputies to the boy’s location and his safe recovery,
prompting Deputy Tate to remark, “The system worked very
well and was time saving in finding our missing person.”
June 15, 2007 – “This system worked great, it was the first
time I had to use it,” said Waterloo, Wisconsin Police Sergeant
Hoffhien of the A Child Is Missing Alert Program. He had called
on the assistance of the Alert Program to locate the parents of an
infant who had been found in Waterloo at 6:35 pm on Friday.
More than 1,900 alert calls were launched in that area and the
Waterloo Police Department fielded approximately 10 calls
from alert citizens who provided information to investigators.
Less than two hours later Waterloo Police located the child’s
mother and reunited her with her baby.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Garland County Sheriff’s Department
June 19, 2007 – Sheriff Deputy Mike Wright was involved in
a search for a missing 13-year-old boy who had last been seen
on a blue Honda four wheeler in Little Rock. Deputy Wright
activated the Alert Program as darkness fell on a search that
had been underway for several hours. Though the search area
was remote, one of the people who received an alert call from
A Child Is Missing located the missing boy, who was safely
recovered the following morning.
Braintree, Massachusetts
Braintree Police Department
June 3, 2007 – Shortly after waking at 7:00 am, an 84-yearold woman with Alzheimer’s went missing from her home
in Braintree, Massachusetts. When Braintree Police Sergeant
Curtin called ACIM to activate the Alert Program, technician
Eric Nelson took the call. Meanwhile, Patrolman John
Ouellette was on-scene and called for a K-9 Unit and Officer
Tom Flannery responded to the scene. Officer Steve Wallace
conducted a search of the area on an ATV, while the ACIM
Technician launched alert phone calls to the area. With all
facets working together, a resident on Forest Street who had
received one of the alert calls saw the woman lying in his yard
and immediately called Braintree Police.
Montezuma, Iowa
Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office
June 8, 2007 – The Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office had not
activated the ACIM Alert Program until the day two children
went missing from Montezuma, Iowa. They quickly called
ACIM and within 15 minutes Poweshiek County Deputies
responded to a call from someone who had received the alert
call and saw both children in a trailer. The children were safe
and reunited with their parents.
Covington, Virginia
Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office
May 31, 2007 – The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office
activated the A Child Is Missing Alert Program for the first
time when a 35-year-old disabled man in need of medication
had gone missing that morning. Within two-and-a-half hours,
the man had been located unharmed as a result of information
provided to the Sheriff’s Office in response to one of the alert
calls that had been phoned to the community by ACIM. As
is the case so often when the Alert Program is activated by an
agency for the first time, dispatchers and deputies alike were
impressed with the swiftness of the program and its ability
to generate numerous calls from concerned, alert citizens
wanting to help.
Willowbrook, Illinois
Dupage County Sheriff’s Office
April 5, 2007 – The Dupage County Sheriff’s Office contacted
A Child Is Missing for assistance with a missing 12-year-old
boy. The ACIM technician obtained all vital information from
Deputy Delelio and within minutes over 900 phones were
ringing in the neighborhood. Deputy Delelio reported, “The
missing child was located … An area resident who received a
call from A Child Is Missing spotted the child hiding in some
bushes … Thank you for assisting our agency.”
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THE ACIM ALERT PROGRAM
No Cold Cases Here
Every 40 seconds a child is reported missing in the U.S. Forty seconds is an instant, but one that
can forever change lives. It is a frightening statistic and scary words to hear that a child is missing.
Any time a child is alone on the streets, or any vulnerable person for that matter, they are at risk. A
nationwide community based first responder telephony program to help search for missing children
did not exist. Sherry Friedlander founded A Child Is Missing (ACIM) in 1997.
A Ft. Lauderdale based national non-profit, A Child Is Missing Alert Program assists law enforcement
in the search and early recovery of missing children, the elderly (often with Alzheimer’s) and the
disabled. ACIM does this in the critical first hours after someone has gone missing by linking law
enforcement with the community via rapid response telephony communication.
A Child Is Missing Alert Program may be used before an Amber Alert might be activated. ACIM
activation time is approximately 15 minutes after police request assistance to help in the search for
any vulnerable individual. The Amber Alert could take two hours to be activated, if, and only if, the
case fits the criteria.
The chance of a child going missing is 1 in 42. Furthermore, 74% of abductions are girls 4 -11 years
old, blond, blue eyes and white. The victim is accessible and one of opportunity. The reason is sexual
assault. The result is often murder. There is a 2-3 hour window to recover these children safely. Starting in Broward County, Florida, and
with the guidance from law enforcement, A Child Is Missing soon covered the entire state and has since expanded to other forward-thinking
states. ACIM is now available in all 49 states.
A Child Is Missing Alert Program is free to all law enforcement and the communities they serve.
1,000 Calls in 60 Seconds
A Child Is Missing uses a three-prong program: a telephone database, a geo-mapping system
and satellite imagery. Once it has been confirmed that a child, or any vulnerable individual, is
missing by the investigating officer, a call is placed to A Child Is Missing technician. All pertinent
information is relayed, such as description, clothes worn, place and time last seen. The technician then
uses computer-mapping technology to identify the area where the individual was last seen. An imagery
satellite program is also used to increase the map-tracking accuracy to help visualize areas that may be
a danger such as water or woods, or attract a wandering individual such as a mall or park. The satellite
program has been credited with helping ACIM find individuals in as few as 23 minutes. The goal is to
lower the average time of successful recoveries to 90 minutes. Next an individual message is recorded
with the description of the child.
This alert is phoned to homes and businesses in the area where the person was last seen. The alert
message asks residents to check their property and to call their local law enforcement agency at
the number provided should they have any information. If a lead is obtained, the search can be
expanded to that area or discontinued. ACIM has over 60 million phone numbers, (excluding
unpublished numbers) and access to 181 T-1 lines. This automated phone system can send 1,000recorded alert messages in 60 seconds. The system also records the alert on answering machines.
A Child Is Missing is proud of the fact that many of you are using the program. As you know we are a non-profit
organization and serve through donations from federal funds, state funds and law enforcement agencies. When you
are planning what to do with some of the funds you give to community projects, non-profits or other areas please
remember A Child Is Missing. Although we are physically not located in your town, we are as close as a phone call, 24/7,
365. Yes, the program is free, but a lot of you do contribute when you can. We do appreciate your support in all ways.
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Program Funding
This is the only program of its kind in the United States and it works. It is a proven public/
private partnership that saves agencies money. Law enforcement needs no equipment,
extra phone lines or additional personnel to utilize the program. Eighty-five percent of law
enforcement agencies have 15 or less sworn officers and the cost of equipment used by
ACIM would be prohibitive for smaller agencies. It is much more cost-effective to be a
part of a network that uses the ACIM Alert
Program. In most cases, ACIM Alert obtains
initial funding to bring the program to a state.
Once the program has been established, ACIM
seeks voluntary law enforcement donations as
well as state and federal funding to support that
state. Fund-raising events, corporate sponsors,
private donations and individual gifts also help
fund program operations. If you are interested
in starting a volunteer fund-raising group in
your area to benefit ACIM Alert, please contact
the main office in Fort Lauderdale.
Need for
Documentation
To document the viability of the program,
ACIM has a Case Follow-up report that
we send to the agency that has used the
program. This report provides ACIM
with documentation of program use and
effectiveness.
A signed letter of participation from law
enforcement agencies is also requested.
This documents the desire of law
enforcement agencies to use the ACIM
program.
Over the course of the year, ACIM will
be in contact with US Congressmen
and State Legislators seeking funding
for your area. ACIM makes use of the
statistics derived from documentation to
show the effectiveness of the program.
Agency usage reports are compiled and
sent out every other month.
Case With a Twist
In the beginning the cases in which ACIM participated were only children, the elderly,
and the disabled. As the program expanded, ACIM Alert has been assisting in a variety of
cases with different problems. In Las Vegas a man shot his wife and fled on foot with his 4
year old son. Through the use of the satellite mapping system, the ACIM program was able
to accurately view the area. As leads came into the police department, ACIM was able to
target new areas with alert calls, following the path of the man. ACIM was also able to keep
law enforcement well informed of the description of the area. The calls led to numerous
sightings of the man and the child. He finally surrendered, as he understood that many
people were on the streets looking for him.
In Pembroke Pines, Florida a woman was found unconscious in a trash receptical with no
identification. ACIM was called to help find a relative or friend to identify her. Twelve calls
came into the police. The woman was identified within 30 minutes after the alert calls were
placed.
Anywhere in the USA a small child can wander out of his/her home. A stranger finds the child and calls the local police. It is now the job of
ACIM to find the parents or guardians of this child. Calls are launched in the area where the child was found. The lack of identification on
children, Alzheimer’s victims and disabled persons make it just that more difficult to find their homes or guardians. Sexual predators tend
to hang out around schools and bus stops. ACIM has been involved in finding these people before they hurt children again. Assistance has
been to search areas where a known sexual predator’s vehicle has been spotted. Calls to the area alerted the residents, providing leads and
subsequent apprehension by police.
ACIM conducts Child Safety Community Meetings to educate parents and children about sexual predators/offenders living in their area.
These meetings include information on Internet Safety, the Amber Alert, the ACIM program and self-defense courses available in the area.
The training of law enforcement is a big part of what we do. These hands on seminars are successful and participation continues to grow.
Videos, training manuals and constant communication are all important in keeping the departments and agencies aware of the program, its
use, availability and effectiveness.
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www.achildismissing.org
Online and In the Know
Guest opinion submitted by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo
“YT? TOY”
“Hi”
“Q. Can we MIRL?
“IDK…”
“RUOK? … I think ILU”
“P911!”
“OK…B4N”
iSafe, one of the largest national organizations dedicated to
educating children about, and protecting children from,
Internet predation has been responsible for training 23,000
Idaho children over the past five years. It surveyed Idaho
children and, among other things, found that:
• While 88 percent of students said they spent at least one
hour a week on the Internet, 16 percent said it was 10
hours or more.
• 18 percent open emails from strangers.
• 26 percent admitted to saying mean or hurtful things on
the Internet to others.
• 19 percent tell their parents nothing about their “online
only” friends.
• 25 percent of students report that
they would classify someone they
only knew from the Internet and
spoke to frequently online who
seems to share the same interests,
understands them and shares laughs
and personal secrets as a “very good
friend” or a “good friend.”
• 8 percent of students report that
someone they met online has asked
them to keep that friendship a
secret.
Even ten years ago, deciphering the language that children
and teens used came down to figuring out what new words
described old feelings, objects and situations. What was “cool”
in the 70s, “rad” in the 80s, and “sweet” in the 90s is “phat”
today. Now, with the widespread use of text messaging on
cell phones or computers, parents
must also decipher acronyms
which look more like secret code
than the spoken or written word.
Some, like “CD9” (Code 9: parents
nearby) are not clearly evident
from the acronyms. And, with the
growing prevalence of online sexual
predation, parents must familiarize
themselves with this electronic
“language.”
If you are a parent, do you know
enough about Instant Messaging
(IM) language to know that the IM
exchange printed above could very
well be a sexual predator attempting
to get your child to meet in person?
In “English,” this is the exchange:
This is chilling to say the least.
Efforts are underway in Idaho and
seven other states to decrease the
threat of online sexual predation. In
May, eight states, including Idaho,
sent a letter to the online social
networking site, MySpace, asking
that it turn over the information
of known sex offenders who use
the site. MySpace has agreed to
this request. I applaud these efforts
which will help safeguard our children’s Internet use, but also
reiterate that parents are absolutely the first line of defense.
“You there? Thinking of you.”
“Hi”
“Question: Can we meet in real
life?”
“I don’t know…”
“Are you ok?...I think I love you.”
“My parents are in the room!”
“Ok. Goodbye for now.”
While the Internet has become largely indispensable for many
business, consumer and research transactions, it’s also a haven
for those who would do terrible psychological and physical
harm to our children. Parents must take the initiative to
educate themselves about their children’s online activities in
the same way that they stay informed about their children’s
activities outside the home. For more information please go
to my website: http://crapo.senate.gov and click on the “June
is Internet Safety Month” link from the homepage.
The United States Senate declared June, 2007: “National
Internet Safety Month.” As the Internet reaches more people,
awareness and prevention of Internet crimes are paramount.
Statistics show that 35 million children from kindergarten
to grade 12 have Internet access. One in seven youth ages
10 to 17 received a sexual solicitation over the Internet. It’s
imperative that children, teens and parents realize and prepare
for dangers that exist online.
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www.achildismissing.org
ALOHA HAWAII
This year, to celebrate opening our 50th state,
the A Child Is Missing program celebrates Hawaii.
And, since it was the 50th state to enter the Union…
what better way to celebrate this occasion?
N , 
:  :
R H
P S
A unique and elegant evening of delectable delights, paired with an
exceptional selection of wines, provided by Southern Wine & Spirits.
G D T    
S   V  ,
(      )
For more information please contact
Tiffany Delit-Garcia at 954-763-1288
Randy Avon and the Avon Family have taken the
E
opening of Hawaii under their “wing” and are opening
Miss
Florida
USA
& Miss Hawaii USA
doors and helping make this the most exciting party of
Charles Kaleialoha Smith, Hawaiian Entertainer
the year in Fort Lauderdale.
Nani Maka, Polynesian Dance Instructor
Taste a sampling of the featured Hawaiian Guava
Osmond Carranzo, Fire Knife Dancer
Wine from Volcano Winery in Hawaii, and be treated
Rino, The Singing Chef
to signature dishes prepared by 12 chefs from some
Sandi Stevens, Ohana Entertainment
of the finest seafood restaurants in Southeast Florida.
Encores by Barry Tracht & Marcel Rasa
Included are: The Grill Room on Las Olas, Indigo,
S R
Café Seville, AI Culinary Arts, The Chef ’s Table and
others. Sommelier Jill Krasker-Scott will also be present to enhance your
wine tasting experience.
Under the stars, vineyards will line the terrace decorated with colored
lights, cafe tables, grapes and the wonderful feeling of old world charm.
Also on the
To thank the big-ticket sponsors, on
balcony,
Thursday, November 15th, an exclusive
The Grape
“Big Kahuna Pre-Event Dinner”
Merchant will
will be hosted in a private room at
host the
the MaiKai Restaurant, with guests
“Volcano Bar”
of honor including: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital;
with Dreyfus,
Hawaiian Dignitaries Miss Hawaii and Kimo
Ashby & Co.
Kahoano (Hawaii’s American Idol Host); Randy &
Wine and Pradva
Joan Avon; and Sponsors that donate $5000 or more.
Vodka Hawaiian
We hope to see you there.
Passion Martinis.
Le Cafe de Paris
.BODJOJT