Kansas Silver Alert Can Help Locate Missing Kansans

In 2009, at the request of the Kansas Silver-Haired Legislature, state lawmakers passed a Silver Alert bill to help protect missing Kansas seniors. The Kansas Silver Alert Protocol, which was developed by the Kansas Attorney General’s office with input from law enforcement agency and media representatives, creates a voluntary process for coordinating efforts of local law enforcement agencies and the media to alert the public when Kansas seniors are reported missing by their family members or caregivers.

According to the Protocol, the Silver Alert can be activated as long as three conditions are met. First, the person reported missing is either suffering from dementia, or is over age 65 and has a reported medical or mental condition that may affect his or her ability to make decisions, or the person has been determined to be a risk to harm him or herself; second, the person’s whereabouts are unknown and he or she is missing under circumstances not normal to their routine; and third, the investigating officer determines it is appropriate to request public assistance in locating the individual.

Once a local law enforcement agency decides to activate a Silver Alert, the agency notifies the media and other resources that may assist in locating the missing person. If a statewide search is necessary, local law enforcement officials will notify the KBI.

According to the Attorney General’s office, the Silver Alert Protocol was designed to respect the dignity and independence of Kansas seniors and their right to make choices in their everyday lives.