Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has signed a bill expanding the state’s “Amber Alert” program to include the disappearance of people who are over 60, disabled, or known to be suicidal.
Amber Alerts aim to mobilize the community when a child disappears, by quickly notifying law enforcement, print and electronic media.
Bill sponsor Sen. Bruce Ennis (D-Smyrna) said the new “Gold Alert” system works the same way as the Amber Alert system, and will help protect other vulnerable populations.
The bill was inspired by an incident last summer when Ruby Muto of Pike Creek went missing for 72 hours after she lost her footing while doing lawn work, and fell into a 20-foot, brush-covered ravine.
Muto, 86, who was found by police dogs and survived her ordeal unhurt ,supports the bill.
“This is a good law,” she said at Minner’s signing ceremony. “It will save lives.”
Minner has also signed legislation allowing the Delaware Information Analysis Center to act as a resource for the lead law enforcement agency in an Amber Alert case. The center coordinates tips from police around the state and was developed for homeland security investigations. She said the measure will help to focus Amber tips more efficiently.
“The sooner we can put the word out in a particular area,” Minner said, “the more likely we are to find one of these children.”
