Table of Contents
Introduction to the missing adult alert initiative
In a significant move towards enhancing public safety, the British Columbia government is working on a new alert system aimed at helping locate missing adults, particularly those who may be vulnerable due to cognitive impairments or other health issues.
This initiative comes in response to the tragic case of Shaelene Keeler Bell, whose mother, Alina Durham, has been a vocal advocate for such a system since her daughter’s disappearance in 2021. The proposed alert system seeks to fill a critical gap in the current public safety framework, which primarily focuses on missing children through the AMBER Alert system.
The push for a comprehensive alert system
Alina Durham’s advocacy began after her daughter went missing, highlighting the urgent need for a mechanism that alerts the public about missing adults. In her discussions with Garry Begg, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Durham proposed modifying the existing AMBER Alert to include adults who are at risk of abduction or in imminent danger.
This proposal reflects a growing recognition that missing adult cases deserve immediate public attention and action.
Durham’s efforts have resonated with others who have experienced similar tragedies. Sam Noh, whose father went missing in 2013, has been advocating for a ‘Silver Alert’ system specifically for seniors, particularly those suffering from dementia.
His organization, BC Silver Alert, aims to raise awareness and push for the implementation of such a system. Despite promises from the B.C. NDP to develop a Silver Alert system, progress has been slow, leaving many families without the support they desperately need.
Government response and future steps
In a recent letter to Durham, the RCMP’s Missing Persons Centre confirmed that they are actively working on developing a public assistance alert system. This initiative aims to address the needs of both adults and children who go missing and may be vulnerable.
The letter emphasized the importance of community support in enhancing responses to these cases, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive approach to public safety.
Durham expressed her satisfaction with the government’s response, stating, “I would like to see everybody included.” She believes that a comprehensive alert system would not only provide peace of mind for families but also foster a sense of community safety. The idea is that when someone goes missing, the entire community can mobilize to assist in their safe return, creating a collaborative environment that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals.
The importance of community involvement
As discussions around the missing adult alert system continue, it is crucial to recognize the role of community involvement in these initiatives. Durham’s experience underscores the emotional toll that missing persons cases can take on families and the need for timely responses. She recalls the anxiety and fear she felt when her daughter went missing, emphasizing that an alert could have made a significant difference in the search efforts.
“It keeps our community safe; we all work together, it takes a village,” Durham stated. Her belief is that once the alert system is established, it can evolve and improve over time, ultimately leading to better outcomes for missing individuals and their families. The call for a missing adult alert system is not just about policy; it is about creating a safer environment for everyone in the community.
