Police Chief’s Courier Report
July 2010
NOTE: Before I delve into this month’s topic, I would like to make a correction to a typo in last month’s Courier. The Nixle website is spelled n i x l e. It was incorrectly published as n i x i e. Sorry for any confusion.
On July 12th, a number of west side residents received an automated call in regards to looking for a missing female juvenile. This was a legitimate law enforcement call and it utilizes a national program called “A Child Is Missing”(ACIM). This is not an Amber Alert but can be used in conjunction with one. ACIM is funded by grants, corporations and other private contributors.
How does it work? The Police activate the program by calling ACIM with a description of the missing person, their location and pertinent information. A trained ACIM technician inputs the information into a sophisticated computer program and a calling area is established. An audio message is then specifically tailored and disseminated with the calling area. It can be used for those younger than 21 who are missing, lost, runaway, or abducted; anyone who is mentally or physically challenged, and the elderly.
Calls are made to listed phone numbers and will leave a message on answering machines. Unlisted and cell phone numbers can be entered at www.achildismissing.org. Standard alerts will be called from 7 am to 10:30 pm unless there are extenuating circumstances.
ACIM will not be used in every instance of a missing person but it is a useful tool. Unfortunately, since it is privately funded, follow up calls are not made if the person is located due to the cost involved.
Michael T. Lazor, Chief of Police
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