Hurley: Law Enforcement Gains New Resources to Find Missing People with Dementia

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, is highlighting the Silver Search statewide missing person coordination system, which will grant Illinois law enforcement the ability to return loved ones with dementia to their families.

“Millions of Americans are living with Alzheimer’s,” Hurley said. “The Silver Search program will not help family members have peace of mind, allowing law enforcement to use the necessary tools to find missing persons who live with Alzheimer’s and other kinds of dementia.”

The 99th General Assembly passed legislation that created the Silver Search Task Force, which included the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois State Police, AARP, Illinois Broadcasters Association, Illinois Department of Transportation and more, which was charged with putting together resources for law enforcement to use when trying to find missing individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Under this legislation, when someone with dementia does go missing, caregivers should immediately notify police. Law enforcement officials can then issue an Endangered Missing Person Advisory to be displayed on highway signs, billboard and lottery machines providing description to help find the missing individual and ask the public for their help.

“As community leaders, we must do everything to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” Hurley said “I am hopeful that this program will help find individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia and reconnect them with their family members.”