The Silver Alert system’s purpose is to locate an individual identified as a disabled adult, or vulnerable elderly adult, or a minor who has a developmental disability and has been reported to law enforcement authorities as missing.
These public broadcasts solicit public action to locate the individual, enabling safe and swift recovery of the individual by law enforcement officers.
The definition and activation criteria are defined in Chapter 54 of the ND Century Code.
Silver Alert Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met as defined in Century Code:
- The missing person involves a vulnerable adult as defined under NDCC 50-25.2-01 or vulnerable elderly adult, who is at least 65 years old, as defined under NDCC 12.1-31-07, who has been reported to law enforcement as missing.
- The missing person involves a minor who has developmental disabilities, as defined under NDCC 25-01.2-01, who has been reported to law enforcement as missing.
- There is descriptive information about the minor or adult and/or vehicle involved, to assist with the safe recovery of the person.
- There is enough usable information about the person and/or vehicle to believe an immediate broadcast will provide the public with descriptive information to help locate the person or vehicle.
Silver Alert Activation - Law Enforcement Only
Keeping Your Vulnerable Loved Ones Safe
Many families are facing the challenge of balancing independence and safety as they help their loved ones live and age with dignity. If you have someone in your life who you help to care for, and are concerned about their vulnerability if they become confused and disorientated, here are some tips to keep track of them:
- Turn on location sharing within their smart phones
- Place an Airtag on keys or within a car - even if they are not supposed to drive
- Install cameras at their home
- Have a regular check-in
- Learn more about the litany of resources with ND Aging Services
If you can’t locate your loved one at home, consider these other places to check:
- Friends and Family
- Previous homes and farmsteads
- A favorite gathering place like a bar, restaurant, or casino
Call 911 or speak with your local law enforcement early if your vulnerable loved one is missing and believed to be in danger. Time is of the essence in safely returning loved ones home, especially with critical medication or adverse weather conditions. Your local law enforcement will help search the locations above and more as they lead the investigation.