Alerts for missing person cases in Idaho

MERIDIAN, Idaho – In recent weeks, Idahoans have seen a noticeable increase in alerts for missing individuals. These notifications, directly pushed to mobile devices, raise understandable concerns and valid questions. Why do some missing people prompt alerts while others don’t? Are too many alerts being sent?

The Idaho State Police (ISP) wants to provide the public with some context and clarity.

ISP serves as the conduit for issuing statewide alerts at the request of local or tribal law enforcement agencies. When an investigating agency determines that a case meets specific legal and policy criteria after using their own investigative tools, such as cell phone GPS or license plate readers, they may request an alert. ISP facilitates and distributes the alert through the Idaho Missing Persons Clearinghouse (IMPC).

“The IMPC does not investigate missing person cases,” Kara Kelley, Idaho Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager and Alert Coordinator, said. “ISP oversees the Clearinghouse and issues alerts at the request of the investigating law enforcement agency. It’s not our decision what time alerts go out, but we work to ensure they’re shared quickly, clearly, and responsibly.”

Modern alert systems enable fast and far-reaching communication. But with that reach comes the risk of overuse and public desensitization. “We are asked why an alert isn’t issued for every runaway or missing person,” Kelley continued. “But if we did, your phone would go off constantly, and people would start ignoring or disabling emergency alerts. That defeats the purpose.”

Alert Types & Criteria

Here’s a breakdown of the primary alerts ISP may issue, along with the criteria for each:

AMBER Alert

Used for: Abducted children.

Criteria include:

• Child is under 18
• Law enforcement believes the child has been abducted
• There is descriptive information about the child, abductor, or vehicle
• The alert is issued within a reasonable timeframe
• The child is believed to be in danger of serious bodily harm or death

Endangered Missing Person Alert

Used for: Missing individuals (any age) believed to be endangered due to:

• Suspicious circumstances
• A known medical condition
• Mental health concerns or cognitive impairment
• Incapable of returning home without assistance
• Is missing because of an abduction by a stranger, but does not meet AMBER criteria

Blue Alert

Used for: Law enforcement officers who have been injured, killed, or are missing in the line of duty and are believed to be in danger.

It is important to note that there is no waiting period to report someone missing in Idaho. If someone is unaccounted for, call your local law enforcement agency immediately.

Idaho Missing Persons Clearinghouse

Established in 1999, IMPC provides critical coordination, training, and analytical support in missing person cases across the state:

• Maintains data and statistics on Idaho’s missing.
• Trains law enforcement on best practices.
• Provides resources to assist in investigations.
• Works with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

As a public safety agency, we understand the importance of timely information. But not every missing person case meets the criteria for a public alert. Our responsibility is to balance urgency with accuracy, ensuring alerts are effective, not excessive.

For more information, visit isp.idaho.gov/alerts.

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Posted in District 1 - Northern Idaho, District 2 - Central Idaho, District 3 - Western Idaho, District 4 - Southern Idaho, District 5 - Southeastern Idaho, District 6 - Eastern Idaho