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Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association Urges Awareness Concerning Threat of Child Abduction

ASHLAND, MASSACHUSETTS — With millions boys and girls returning to schools across the country this autumn, parents and children are being advised by law enforcement agencies and children’s advocacy groups to take important steps to safeguard against child abduction.

In a recent survey released by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and ADVO Inc., over 1/3 of the parents polled did not know the height, weight, and eye color of all their children—three of the most essential details required by investigators in missing children cases. The Department of Justice estimates that there are approximately 2,100 new missing-children reports in the U.S. every day.

Authorities are making headway in the abduction battle, thanks in large part to the launch of the high-profile AMBER (America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) alert system. Using television, radio, freeway signs and other media outlets, various government agencies team to inform the public of a child’s abduction.

And it’s working. In a recent case in Massachusetts, for example, the alert rebroadcast on television resulted in a kidnap victim being freed in a matter of hours after it occurred. It was the state’s first use of the system.

Last summer, in Abilene, Texas, one-month-old Nancy Chavez was abducted from a parking lot of a Wal-Mart as her mother was returning a shopping cart to the cart corral. Paula Lynn Roach, 25, who would later be identified as the abductor, grabbed the infant and began driving away. As she did, Nancy's mother grabbed a hold of Roach's car and was dragged 30 feet. An AMBER Alert was issued and Roach and the child were found in Quanah, TX, after employees at a Quanah nursing home became suspicious about an infant Roach was presenting as her own.

"Rapid response is vital in abduction cases, and taking the acclaimed AMBER Alert system nationwide will save lives and thwart would-be predators," U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft said in October 2002 at the White House Conference on Missing, Exploited, and Runaway Children.

Statistics from NCMEC indicate that one out of seven children have been located through the use of photos distributed by the United States Postal Service or through missing child direct mail cards. However, the survey stresses that because of the time it takes to develop and/or distribute photos when a child is first reported missing, accurate physical descriptions are extremely critical. It is also strongly advised that parents or guardians maintain a file with fingerprints, dental records, and even DNA samples from their children.

"The first few hours after a child has been abducted are without question the most vital in recovering that child," says Acting Chief of Police Rohmer of Ashland and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. "That’s why it’s imperative for parents to keep on hand clear, recent photographs of their children, as well as an up-to-date list of physical data."

The Chiefs of Police, working from guidelines set forth by The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, has established the following safety tips for both parents and children to reduce the threat of child abductions:

• Make sure your child knows his or her address, home telephone number, and any other numbers that will enable them to reach you at all times. In the event you are not accessible, provide them with a number of a trusted relative or friend. Make sure they know how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency only.

• Ensure your child is familiar your neighborhood and is aware how to get home from school and other locations. Know your child’s schedule and set boundaries in regard to locations and times.

• Warn your child about approaching or entering any vehicle, occupied or not, unless they are accompanied by you or another trusted adult.

• Keep lines of communication open. Instruct your child on how to get of out of dangerous or uncomfortable situations right away, and practice role-playing.

• Be careful when putting your child’s name on clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes or bicycle license plates. A first initial only with last name is advisable. If a child’s name is visible, it may put them on a "first name" basis with a potential abductor.

• Carefully choose babysitters, tutors, and workers at your home. Always obtain references.

• Always check first with your parents or the person in charge before going anywhere, even if it’s close by and even if you’re with a friend. If you miss a bus, tell a teacher or your principal.

• Don’t be fooled by adults who offer you special treats or gifts, or ask you for help or directions. ADULTS DO NO NEED HELP FROM CHILDREN. Don’t go near, or get into any car with someone you do not know—unless you are with your parent or a trusted adult.

• Never go alone to the mall, movies, arcades or parks--or into a public restroom by yourself.

• Don’t be afraid to say "NO" and get away from any situation or person that makes you feel uncomfortable or confused. If someone acts forcefully with you, scream LOUDLY for help.

• When you’re home alone, keep all doors locked. Don’t open the door for anyone unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative. Never tell callers that your parents aren’t home.

About the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association

Founded in (YEAR), the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association is a professional and educational organization dedicated to the preservation of peace and protection of the lives and property of the citizens of (STATE). (NAME) serves as executive director. For more information on the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association visit www.wesiteaddress.com.

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Last modified: 04/17/08