Who is primarily responsible for initiating a Mattie's Call?

The primary responsibility for initiating a Mattie's Call lies with law enforcement agencies. This specialized alert system is designed to quickly disseminate information about missing persons, particularly vulnerable adults such as those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. Law enforcement is equipped with the resources and authority to handle such cases, ensuring that they can coordinate a rapid response, utilize available technology, and engage the community effectively.

When a person is reported missing, especially someone at risk, law enforcement conducts an assessment to determine if the criteria for issuing a Mattie’s Call are met. They consider factors such as the individual's age, mental state, and circumstances of their disappearance. Once they establish these conditions, they can issue the alert to the public through various communication channels, thereby increasing the chances of a timely and safe recovery.