35-3-82. Powers and duties.

The center may:#

1. (1)

   Establish a system of intrastate communication of information relating to missing children;#

2. (2)

   Provide a centralized file for the exchange of information on missing children within the state;#

3. (3)

   Interface and connect with the National Crime Information Center for the exchange of information on missing children and children suspected of interstate travel;#

4. (4)

   Collect, process, maintain, and disseminate information on missing children and unidentified bodies and strive to maintain or disseminate only accurate and complete information;#

5. (5)

   Cooperate with the State Board of Education in compiling lists of missing children in this state for distribution to local school districts;#

6. (6)

   Compile annual statistics on the number of missing children;#

7. (7)

   Develop recommendations for better reporting and use of computer systems;#

8. (8)

   Provide assistance to local law enforcement agencies providing fingerprint programs for children;#

9. (9)

   Circulate a monthly bulletin of missing children to all law enforcement agencies in the state;#

10. (10)

    Assist local law enforcement agencies in establishing direct computer access to the Missing Children Information Center;#

11. (11)

    Act as a liaison between private citizens and law enforcement agencies regarding appropriate procedures for handling and responding to missing children reports; and#

12. (12)

    Establish a toll-free telephone number to assist individuals and agencies in the reporting of missing children and information relative to missing children.#

The center is authorized to join and participate in any network of state missing children centers or clearing-houses, specifically including but not limited to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.#