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On April 10, 2024, 2023 Wisconsin Act 272 was signed into law. The Missing Child Alert was created to expand the criteria for issuing alerts for missing persons. The legislation revised § 175.51 and expanded the definition of a “person at risk” to include children.
The Missing Child Alert will be disseminated through the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network, Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)*, the Wisconsin Lottery terminals throughout Wisconsin, along with the Department of Transportation Dynamic Messaging Boards.
*Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) will be sent to mobile devices up to a 5 miles radius from the last known location, between the hours of 8am-9pm.
Missing Child Alert Criteria:
- The person at risk has not attained the age of 18 years, AND, the person is believed to be incapable of returning home without assistance due to a physical or mental condition or disability, OR, the person has not attained the age of 10 years, AND,
- The individual(s) location is unknown, and,
- It is within 72 hours of the individual’s disappearance, and,
- Their situation does not qualify for another alert (e.g., AMBER Alert).
- The individual has been entered as missing into National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
- There is sufficient information available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the missing person.
To receive Missing Child Alerts register here.