The Mississippi Public Service Commission announced during a press conference at the state capitol in Jackson on Friday morning that it’s working with law enforcement to advance the state’s AMBER Alert program.
The strategic alliance between law enforcement agencies and utility organizations is aimed at providing additional resources for the AMBER Alert program with the help of utility workers. Those who serve as linemen and operators often perform their job duties outdoors in residential areas, which according to Southern District Commissioner Wayne Carr, provides a unique opportunity for these professionals to spot individuals and vehicles included in a missing child case.
“Given the nature of their jobs, utility representatives can play a crucial part in our state’s AMBER Alert program by recognizing the signs of child abduction and understanding how to best respond in these types of situations,” Carr said, adding that the partnership will include the Department of Public Safety, the Attorney General’s Office, electric cooperatives, water companies, and national gas providers.
“We are excited to create a partnership with statewide law enforcement agencies and utility organizations in order to provide safety education to utility crews and to contribute to Mississippi’s strong AMBER Alert network,” he continued. “By implementing this initiative, we can make a difference for the people of Mississippi.”
Utility workers will be placed in an extensive network between them and law enforcement officials. They will also undergo training to teach them what to look out for during an AMBER Alert, how to spot relevant vehicles and individuals, and how to stay safe while doing so.
The goal is to strengthen the safety net for not only those directly involved in AMBER Alerts but all citizens, according to Central District Commissioner De’Keither Stamps. Statistics show the total number of child abduction cases across the U.S. has declined by a quarter since the AMBER Alert System began in 1996.
“The AMBER Alert System plays a very important role in protecting our most vulnerable children,” Stamps said. “Being trained to identify these signs can mean the difference between life and death for a child in danger. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the safety of our communities.”
The Mississippi Public Service Commission and partner agencies will now begin traveling across the state for training sessions with utility workers. Additionally, the commission will launch a social media campaign that will help distribute informative materials and further disseminate the initiative’s goals.
