“Gold Alert” program would notify public about missing seniors and disabled people

A program similar to the “Amber Alert” notification system in cases of missing children could be implemented in Delaware that would notify the public about missing senior citizens or people with disabilities. 

The State House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation to expand the Gold Alert program, in which law enforcement agencies notify the news media about adults who go missing, to also utilize variable-message signs along state highways.

It also would attempt to locate people who are missing and believed to be suicidal. 

“This is just an additional outlet to reach tens of thousands of people traveling on Delaware roads to hopefully locate missing persons sooner and safer,” said the bill’s sponsor, Representative Brad Bennett (D-Dover South).  “This bill protects those in our society who most need our help,” he added.

Through mid-March, there had been seven Gold Alerts issued in Delaware.  Five of them were resolved in one day, while two others continued for four days and 12 days.

The measure will next see action in the State Senate.