The state of Minas Gerais reported this Thursday (11) that it has adopted a new program to assist authorities in investigating cases of missing children and adolescents. Named “Amber Alert”, the system sends an alert to the population within a radius of up to 160 km from the place of disappearance.
“When we register incidents of missing children and adolescents, in which there is a risk of bodily harm or death, we report it to the MJSP, which then notifies Meta. After analysis by the company, the social networks Instagram and Facebook issue alerts to users with the photo and information about the missing person”, explains the head of the Missing Person Reference Division (DRPD), delegate Ingrid Estevam.
The service is free and has only two requirements for use: age range and severity of the disappearance. This means that only cases of minor children who are at risk of bodily harm or death are disclosed.
The project is a partnership between Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP). It was released on August 30, 2023, on the International Day of Missing Persons.
In addition to Minas Gerais, the civil police of Ceará and the Federal District are part of the project.
According to the MJSP, in 2023 alone, more than 42 thousand disappearances were recorded in Brazil. In Minas Gerais, the last three years have seen more than 20,000 cases, according to data from the state's Public Security Diagnosis of Missing and Located Persons.
What to do in case of a missing person?
- Look for a Police Station or Military Police unit closest to your residence to register the disappearance. Have your identification document and a recent, clear photo of the missing person ready.
- Disappearance registration can also be done virtually through the Virtual Police Station: https://delegaciavirtual.sids.mg.gov.br/sxgn/
- Despite the emotional burden involved, it is essential to remain calm so that the information can be passed on, clearly and in detail, to the police.
- The missing person must be registered immediately after identifying a break in the missing person's routine. Do not wait 24 hours or more to contact the police
Source: CNN Brasil
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