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

CHICAGO – State Rep. Sonya Harper, 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.

“There are five million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, and it is projected by 2050 that as many as 16 million will live with the crippling disease,” said Harper. “The Silver Search program will now be able to connect law enforcement with greater tools to keep families together and find missing persons who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms 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 the legislation, when someone with dementia does go missing, caregivers should immediately notify the police. Law enforcement officials can then issue an Endangered Missing Person Advisory to be displayed on highway signs, billboards and lottery machines providing descriptions to help find the missing individual and ask the public for their help.

“We must do everything we can to help those who have dementia be reconnected with their families,” said Harper. “I am hopeful that the Silver Search program will help save lives and keep these individuals out of harm’s way.”

To learn more about the new Silver Search Program, please visit at www.silversearchillinois.org, or contact Harper’s constituent service office by calling 773-925-6580, or emailing repsonyaharper@gmail.com.