When someone you care about dies, it can be challenging to cope and regain your sense of normalcy. Acceptance is part of the grieving process; Once that happens, people can often find closure. But imagine trying to cope and find closure with your loved one’s disappearance, and his family having to move on, not knowing what happened to him – or whether he might still be out there.
Florida Stats
Learn more from the Citrus County Chronicle
In Florida, more than 3,200 people are reported missing or at risk in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Unfortunately, only 1,726 of these missing or endangered cases are available to the public – leaving more than 2,000 Florida families without access to information about their loved one’s case.
There are also 900 unidentified John/Jane Does in Florida. Often, remains are unidentifiable because the deceased was not reported missing or because they are missing important biometric information, such as DNA, required for a match.
In Citrus County, we accept missing person reports every day.
Last year, 156 adults and 134 juveniles were reported missing. While many of these people have been found, some are still missing. Without clues or tips, cases can remain open for years and even go cold.
Florida Sheriffs Association Cold Case Advisory Commission
The Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) Cold Case Advisory Commission (CCAC), which I chair, meets several times a year with representatives from across the state of Florida to review cold case cases.
Now, the CCAC doesn’t solve murder cases; sheriff’s offices and police departments do this. However, the Commission provides professional advice and subject matter experts to assist them in their efforts. This committee has already become an invaluable asset to law enforcement and Floridians across the state, and has helped uncover crucial pieces of the puzzle in several cases since its inception in 2015 – including a 1981 murder in Hernando County was clarified last year.
Growing awareness
Last week, CCSO participated in Missing in Florida Day to raise awareness of missing and unidentified people in Florida. We partnered with the University of South Florida Institute of Forensic Anthropology and Applied Science for the “Missing in Florida” DNA Drive.
Throughout the afternoon, 18 speakers provided insights into investigative techniques, case descriptions and personal stories. People from all over the world came together at the event to search for answers. Some had their cases already solved, while others hoped to find their missing family member among Florida’s unidentified remains. In total, more than 140 participants came to update cases, file reports, show support or provide DNA samples.
We know there is a need for more events that bring law enforcement, medical professionals and families together without court restrictions, but we thank our other event coordinators, partners in the media and the overwhelming attendance – every one of the families represented at last week’s event have one greater chance of obtaining a degree.
How can you help
Public engagement is KEY when it comes to helping authorities solve missing person and John or Jane Doe cases. This is about more than just showing up at major events like DNA raids – it’s about keeping your eyes open and paying attention when missing person reports or requests for information are issued by the relevant law enforcement authorities.
We use three key alerts to alert the public to someone who is missing and may need assistance returning home:
Amber notifications – Used when law enforcement believes, based on an active investigation, that a missing child has been abducted and is in serious danger of death or injury.
Silver warnings – Used to locate missing people suffering from irreversible mental deterioration, such as Alzheimer’s disease. To be able to issue a Silver Alert, the person must be at least 60 years old. If you are between the ages of 18 and 59, a Silver Alert may still be activated if law enforcement has determined that the missing person lacks the capacity to consent and that the use of dynamic message signs may be the only possible way to rescue the missing person.
Purple warnings – When adults with a mental or cognitive disability other than Alzheimer’s or dementia disappear.
No tips are unimportant. By working together as a community and paying attention to when you receive one of these notifications, you can help bring someone home to their family and potentially save a life.
Mike Prendergast is the sheriff of Citrus County
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