2.12.3 Technology as a tool for public mobilization and engagement
Technology is a powerful tool for mobilizing citizens on missing persons cases. By using various platforms and applications, such as social networks, online websites, mobile phone applications and others, direct and extensive public awareness in missing persons cases can be achieved, encouraging participation and contributions to the search for missing persons. Missing person alert systems constitute a method of rapid emergency alerts activated by expertise organizations or public authorities and aim to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of the missing person. The alerts are distributed through various technology methods (radio, tv spots, QR codes, e-mail, video, images etc.) to a large network of receivers, to inform the public about the missing person in the fastest time possible.
For more information on how to develop a rapid emergency child alert system International Center for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) Framework is recommended.
For an overview of the AMBER Alert activation for missing children the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Website is recommended.
The technological equipment needed to effectively inform the public are:
- Automated Systems for the production and publication of missing persons cases
Missing people alerts comprise the immediate, valid and detailed information of citizens about a minor disappearance incident only a few minutes after the authorities or the relevant organizations have notified about it. To achieve this, a wide group of bodies – private and voluntary – participate in the program, each of them communicating the details of the missing child or adult and some other basic information through all means available, such us TV and radio spots, Facebook posts, SMS messages, announcements on airport screens, etc.
The establishment of an effective system for timely and accurate notification of citizens in instances of minors disappearing is crucial. This involves the activation of a comprehensive system that ensures the dissemination of information material to all pertinent stakeholders. To achieve this, a dedicated system for the production and distribution of missing materials for initiatives like “Amber Alert” or other missing people alerts is essential, with capabilities extending across borders. Furthermore, the development of supporting applications enhances the functionality of this system, facilitating swift and widespread dissemination of alerts and updates. Additionally, the creation of a Digital Management and Information System tailored for volunteers and partner agencies is paramount. This system enables streamlined coordination and action in response to disappearance or emergency situations, ensuring efficient collaboration and maximizing the effectiveness of search and rescue efforts.
Technological systems for the production and publication of missing persons’ materials are important for the effective response to missing persons or emergency situations. By using digital technologies and automating processes, it is possible to disseminate information quickly and efficiently to a large number of agencies and stakeholders.
- Mobile applications for public engagement
The use of specialized applications is an important tool in the process of searching for missing persons. These applications are designed for use by citizens and act as valuable tools in many European countries, speeding up the process of finding missing minors and adults.
With these applications, the details of persons who are prone to disappearance can be registered in advance, allowing information to be published immediately and the search for them to be launched immediately in the event of a crisis. In addition, these applications allow real-time notification of current disappearances to citizens, the immediate communication of the information they have to the authorities, as well as the provision of information about a disappearance case. By using these applications, users can also search for missing person incidents based on different criteria and report missing person incidents in real time.
Examples of such applications include “Sarea” (Lam et. al., 2023), developed by a Dutch police officer to mobilize and coordinate volunteers in the search for missing persons. In Greece, the “Missing Alert App” (https://www.hamogelo.gr/gr/el/missing-alert-app/) is managed by specialized staff of the organization “The Smile of the Child” and allows citizens to contribute to the process of finding missing persons by providing information and reporting incidents. With these apps on their mobile phones, users can get real-time updates on current disappearances, provide information on a case, search for missing persons incidents based on different criteria, report missing persons incidents and protect loved ones belonging to vulnerable groups.
Innovative technologies for public mobilization and engagement include QR codes and geolocated alerts, which allow targeted notifications to individuals in certain geographic areas.
