SOCIAL MEDIA IMPORTANT IN SEARCH FOR MISSING CHILDREN

SOCIAL MEDIA IMPORTANT IN SEARCH FOR

MISSING CHILDREN

MD Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons:
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/MD.MCMUP
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcmup_msp

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons is reminding citizens they can help locate missing children by connecting to the social media tools that provide notifications and photos of persons being sought.

On average, 10,000 to 12,000 children are reported missing in Maryland each year. On any given day, there are 1,000 active missing person cases in Maryland. One in every three of these children is located because someone has seen and recognized their photos.

In response to these statistics, the Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons, a unit of the Maryland State Police, coordinates an official Facebook page and operates a Twitter feed, both of which are designed to raise public awareness and participation in the search for Maryland’s missing.

The Facebook page features all missing person cases from a state, county, or municipal police department, or a parent or guardian, who requested the creation of a missing person poster.

Additionally, the Facebook page features cold cases, Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts that are issued in Maryland, as well as information about attempted child abductions. Valuable resources and information on child safety can also be found within the page. The Facebook page receives an average of 150,000 views per week.

The Twitter account is used exclusively for child abductions that result in an Amber Alert being activated. In order for Amber Alerts to be most effective, strict criteria have to be met before an alert is issued. When an alert is issued, it usually contains information about a suspect vehicle the abducted child may be in, which gives motorists something to look for. The child’s picture will also be placed on the Facebook page as soon as it becomes available.

The dedicated staff members of the Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons are excited about the positive impact the use of social media is having on the successful location of missing Maryland children and adults.

To follow the Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons Facebook page, simply “like” the following: http://www.facebook.com/MD.MCMUP. The Twitter account can be followed at https://twitter.com/mcmup_msp.

Submitted:
Maryland State Police