35-3-176. Criteria for activating alert system.

On notification by a local law enforcement agency that a disabled adult or medically endangered person is missing, the director shall activate the alert system and notify appropriate participants in the alert system, as established by rule, if:#

1. (1)

   A local law enforcement agency believes that a disabled adult or medically endangered person is missing;#

2. (2)

   A local law enforcement agency believes that the disabled adult or medically endangered person is in immediate danger of serious bodily injury or death;#

3. (3)

   A local law enforcement agency confirms that an investigation has taken place that verifies the disappearance and eliminates alternative explanations for the disabled adult’s or medically endangered person’s disappearance; and#

4. (4)

   Sufficient information is available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the disabled adult or medically endangered person.#

The area of the alert may be less than state wide if the director determines that the nature of the event makes it probable that the disabled adult or medically endangered person did not leave a certain geographic location.#

The bureau may modify the criteria described by subsection (a) of this Code section as necessary for the proper implementation of the alert system.#