Aid in the identification and location of missing adults.
The Ohio legislature established the Ohio Endangered Missing Adult Alert to aid in the identification and location of missing adults who have a mental impairment or are 65 years of age or older. The alert must be requested by a law enforcement agency, and must be activated through the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
Criteria (Established by Ohio Revised Code)
- Local investigating law enforcement agency confirms the individual is missing;
- Individual is 65 years of age or older, or has a mental impairment;
- Individual’s disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger of serious bodily harm or death to the individual; and,
- Sufficient descriptive information about the individual and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance exists that activation of the alert may help locate the individual.
Broadcasters’ Response
This alert is issued via social media, email, text or fax. The EAS and WEA are NOT activated. Updates and cancellations are also delivered via social media, email, text message or fax. Notification is sent statewide to all who request to receive these alerts.
Additional alert information, including photos if available, is posted on the Ohio Attorney General’s website. A special toll-free number (1.866.693.9171) may also be activated for tips and alert information.
Participating stations are encouraged to air alerts originating in their broadcast area.
The OAB has developed a poster with information about each alert for stations to use for quick reference. Contact the OAB’s Christine Merritt at 614.228.4052 for a print version of the poster.