Using Trained Volunteers in the Search Effort

Project ALERT (America's Law Enforcement Retiree Team) provides law enforcement agencies with free consultations on cases involving missing children. Project ALERT was launched by NCMEC in 1992 to link trained, retired volunteers with law enforcement agencies involved in cases of missing children. The following services are provided:

• An emergency response team of seasoned investigators who can offer additional personnel, search coordination, and other critical resources.

• Specialized training to law enforcement agencies to help them resolve recent or long-term missing child cases.

• Experienced public speakers who can make effective presentations on child safety issues and prevention strategies.

Law enforcement agencies can request the services of Project ALERT by contacting NCMEC, which will donate all resource materials, make all travel arrangements, and pay for all travel costs.

Many nonprofit organizations located throughout the country are poised to help you find your missing child. Many organizations are devoted to the search for missing children. They can help distribute your child's poster, coordinate volunteer activities, locate the nearest bloodhounds, or find a parent of another missing child to give you advice and support. Contact NCMEC or the Association of Missing and Exploited Children's Organizations (AMECO) to find out the names and telephone numbers of organizations that meet their requirements for certification or membership. You might also want to talk with your primary law enforcement contact and with other parents of missing children. Be wary of organizations that promise they can find your missing child, that request payment for these services, or that are unknown in this field.

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