Police: How to help in missing persons cases and what qualifies for an alert

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A missing person is a scary thing for a family or friend, and it's important to know where to go and the extent of the case.

There are a few different national and state-specific alerts that must meet certain criteria.

The national Amber Alert was issued sparingly for fear of public indifference, detailing the potential kidnapping of a person under the age of 18. The alert contains various information such as physical appearance, possible destination, vehicle registration plates, etc.

Warren County Deputy Emergency Management Director Travis Puckett told News 40 this alert is for a person who is believed to have been taken and is in immediate danger or with a non-custodial person who could harm them. wrong.

Puckett also provided some clarification on Kentucky's Golden Alert and Green Alert.

The Golden Alert, he said, is for people over 18 who have some sort of organic brain injury or mental impairment, such as varying degrees of autism or Alzheimer's, who could cause them to find themselves in a dangerous situation, somewhat similar to the green alert. The Green Alert is issued for veterans who may be suffering from PTSD.

News 40 spoke with Bowling Green Police Department Public Information Officer Ronnie Ward who said time is of the essence and encouraged the public to always call, not comment, if they see anything something or thinks you know something.