News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Van Buren’s Alert Form will decrease response time to locate missing children and adults under guardianship.
Sheriff Michael Brock said the form was created in response to requests from concerned citizens. The citizens wanted to help shorten the time it takes for authorities to begin their search for missing persons.
“It all started when that parent reached out to me and through the love and concern for their child said, what can we do in the event that something happens,” Brock said. “What can we do right now to maybe better prepare ourselves.”
Brock said with the new form the Sheriff’s Department can go to work quickly with records and a photo previously provided by the parent or caregiver.
Brock said this means the department does not have to interview and gather information to begin a search. He said the parent or caregiver simply notifies Emergency Services. Brock said that notification authorizes opening files including the form and a photo that the Sheriff’s Department will use to locate the missing child or adult.
“Time is of the essence when a child or an adult under guardianship goes missing,” Brock said.
Three county systems are cooperating and encouraging parents and/or guardians of individuals with an elopement or wandering tendency to partner with them by completing the form.
The form is called an Elopement Alert Form based on the original meaning of the word elopement, which is “to escape.”
If your family or someone you know would benefit from this form, please reach out to Van Buren County E-911 (931-946-4000), Van Buren County School System (931-946-2442), or Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office (931-946-2118).
