Purpose:
The Everbridge Community Notification Program is a social media tool managed by RCECC. The Everbridge system may be used by authorized department personnel to alert the larger community of major incidents related to large scale public safety events or to enlist the community’s help to locate a missing person or a child when an Amber Alert is not warranted.
Objective
The decision for using the Everbridge notification is best made by the supervisor of an incident after considering the criteria below. If a supervisor would like additional input they can contact an investigative unit to assist, as necessary. If the decision to use the system is made, the supervisor should contact the ECC supervisor to initiate the process.
Guidelines/Criteria
1. Will this incident have an impact on public safety? (Think gas leak, bank robbery, active shooter, or to be
made in conjunction with an Amber Alert broadcast.)
a. Yes, initiate an Everbridge notification with ECC.
b. No, go to next question.
2. Is this missing person enrolled in the Project Lifesaver program?
a. Yes, contact the ECC for a Fire Department response.
b. No, go to the next question.
3. Is the person involved in danger because of impaired decision making – regardless of age – due to
physician’s diagnosis as mentally ill or vulnerable?
a. Yes, initiate Everbridge notification with ECC.
b. No, go to next question.
4. Is the person 8 YOA or younger during daylight hours or 10 YOA or younger after dark and/or sufficient
evidence the child is endangered?
a. Yes, initiate an Everbridge notification with ECC.
b. No, go to next question.
5. Is the person 21 years of age or younger and sufficient evidence exists to believe the person is endangered
and at risk of physical injury or death?
a. Yes, initiate an Everbridge notification with the ECC.
b. No, follow established missing persons investigation policy and procedure. Reconsider steps above as
information develops.
6. Is the person at risk due to environmental concerns like severe weather or terrain or at risk of physical injury
or death?
a. Yes, initiate an Everbridge notification with ECC.
Note: You may include the missing juvenile or adult’s full name, age, and last known address in the Everbridge notification for the purpose of helping law enforcement find the individual.
Command Authority:
The sergeant or supervisor making the decision to use the Everbridge system shall file a report (original or supplemental based on incident type) documenting their decision making process, the implementation of the program, and any results of the broadcast.
Note: If there is a change during an active investigation of an incident involving a missing child that is 17 years of age or younger, which would call for the use of an Amber Alert (Amber Alert Criteria), an Amber Alert shall be initiated immediately and in addition to the already broadcast Everbridge notification.
Issued May 16, 2017