This bill amends the existing Silver Alert System in New Jersey to enhance the dissemination of information regarding missing persons, particularly those suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairments. It mandates that participating media outlets must issue broadcast alerts similar to those used in Amber Alerts, which are typically activated in cases of child abduction. The bill specifies that alerts must include a distinctive sound tone followed by the statement: "This is a Missing Person Silver Alert," and must provide a description of the missing person along with any other pertinent information deemed appropriate by the lead law enforcement agency.

Additionally, the bill outlines that these alerts should be broadcast as frequently as possible during the first three hours of activation, with subsequent rebroadcasts occurring at intervals determined by the lead law enforcement agency and the media. The amendments also remove references to the Child Exploitation Unit, focusing solely on the Missing Persons Unit, and clarify the procedures for activating highway signs and notifying the public. Overall, the bill aims to improve the effectiveness of the Silver Alert System in locating missing individuals.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:17B-194.6