System Oversight Committee

MISSOURI AMBER Alert

Annual2020 Report 2 To Members of the Missouri General Assembly:

On behalf of the AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee, I present the committee’s 2020 annual report.

In 2020, the number of AMBER Alerts issued in Missouri more than doubled, from three to eight, compared to last year. A total of 10 children were located. Unfortunately, a three-year-old girl was located deceased in Kansas. This alert was a re-broadcast of a Kansas alert prior to the child being found.

Within this summary you will find the following:

• The proposed/approved CSR for procedures related to the AMBER Alert System; • A list of AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee members; • An important technical update regarding advancements in the Missouri AMBER Alert Program; • Information about training conducted statewide related to the AMBER Alert System; • Relevant statistics for the period of December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020; • Minutes from the AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee meeting on March 18, 2020; and • Minutes from the AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee meeting on November 12, 2020.

The safety of Missouri’s children, and working to maintain and further strengthen Missouri’s AMBER Alert system are the committee’s highest priorities. We believe the enhancements made to the system over the last year mean that critical messages can be disseminated to law enforcement, the media, and the public more quickly and with greater detail, increasing the possibility of safely recovering abducted children.

Sincerely,

Sandra K. Karsten Director, Department of Public Safety Chair, AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee

Highway Patrol • National Guard • State Emergency Management Agency • Fire Safety Office of Homeland Security • Alcohol & Tobacco Control • Capitol Police • Gaming Commission • Veterans Commission

3 Mission Statement

The mission of the AMBER Alert Program is to develop and coordinate the efforts of law enforcement, the media, and transportation in order to increase public participation in safely recovering abducted children through targeted education, increased communication, and effective sharing of resources.

rt History

The national AMBER Alert plan was created in 1996 after nine-year- old Amber Hagerman was kidnapped and murdered while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas. Missouri’s AMBER Alert plan was formed in 2003, following the Missouri General Assembly’s passage of Senate Bill 30.

4 Contents

Title 11 – Department Of Public Safety ...... 6 AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee Members...... 7 Technical Update...... 8 AMBER Alert Criteria ...... 9 Training...... 10

AMBER Alert Statistics...... 11 March 2020 Meeting Agenda...... 12 March 2020 Meeting Minutes...... 13-15 November 2020 Meeting Agenda...... 16 November 2020 Meeting Minutes...... 17-19 December 2020 Email Meeting...... 19

5 Title 11 – DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Division 30 – Office of the Director Chapter 10 – Amber Alert PROPOSED AMENDMENT 11 CSR 30-10.020 Law Enforcement Agency Procedures for Activating an AMBER Alert PURPOSE: This rule establishes guidelines for determining when an AMBER Alert should be activated and the procedure for activating the alert. (1) In the event of a missing child, the reporting agency [must] shall first determine [that] the following criteria are met: (A) The missing child qualifies as an “abducted child,” [as defined in 11 CSR 30-10.010;] defined as a child age 17 or under whose whereabouts is unknown and who has been determined by local law enforcement to be: 1. The victim of kidnapping as defined by Section 565.110, RSMo; or 2. The victim of a crime of child kidnapping as defined by Section 565.115, RSMo, the statutory age limit notwithstanding; (B) The child is in the custody of someone other than a parent, guardian, or other official custodial entity, or sufficient evidence exists to indicate [that] harm may come to a child from a parent, guardian, or other official custodial entity; and (C) Sufficient descriptive information exists to enhance the possibility of recovery, such as: [-] 1. The time and location of the incident; 2. A physical description of the abducted child or his or her clothing, if known; 3. A physical description and identity, if known, of the abductor and whether or not the abductor is armed; and 4. A vehicle description and direction of travel. (2) The reporting agency [must] shall take a complete report and validate the information. (3) The reporting agency shall [next]– [(A) Issue a local AMBER Alert if the local agency has its own Amber Alert plan; (B) If there is no local AMBER Alert plan or if the alert should be expanded beyond the local plan, the agency should complete the Missouri AMBER Alert Abduction Form and fax the form to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Communications Division; and (C) Enter the incident into the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System and the National Crime Information Center database.] (A) Complete and submit a Missouri AMBER Alert Abduction Form through the Missouri Uniform Law Enforce- ment System (MULES). A request can also be made by completing a Missouri AMBER Alert Abduction Form on the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) website. The form should then be emailed or faxed to the MSHP communications division; and (B) Enter the incident into MULES and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. (4) Upon receipt of the AMBER Alert Abduction Form, MSHP Communications Division personnel shall contact the reporting agency to confirm the validity of the alert. (5) After receiving confirmation, MSHP Communications Division [will] shall then disseminate the alert. AUTHORITY: section 210.1014, RSMo Supp. 2005.* Original rule filed Oct. 3, 2005, effective March 30, 2006. *Original authority: 210.1014, RSMo. 2003 PUBLIC COST: This proposed amendment will not cost state agencies or political subdivisions more than five hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate. PRIVATE COST: This proposed amendment will not cost private entities more than five hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate. NOTICE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS: Anyone may file a statement in support of or in opposition to this proposed amendment with the Department of Public Safety, Director’s Office, PO Box 749, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0749. To be considered, comments must be received within thirty (30) days after publication of this notice in the Missouri Register.

6 Section 210.1014 RSMo. states, “There is hereby created the ‘AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee’ whose primary duty shall be to develop criteria and procedures for the AMBER Alert system and shall be housed within the Department of Public Safety.” In 2019, HB 397, known as “Hailey’s Law,” was signed into law. Hailey’s Law requires the AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee to meet at least annually and provide an annual report. AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee

Members: Chair, Director Sandra K. Karsten, Missouri Department of Public Safety Captain John J. Hotz, Missouri State Highway Patrol Child Care Program Specialist Christine Wynn, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Pike County Sheriff Stephen Korte, Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Iron County Sheriff Roger Medley, Missouri Sheriffs’ Association News Director Bridget Lovelle, KY3 and KSPR, Television Broadcasters’ Representative

Members To Be Appointed: Two representatives of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association One representative of small market radio broadcasters One representative of large market radio broadcasters

7 Technical Update

In 2020, the Missouri State Highway Patrol implemented the following enhancements to the Missouri AMBER Alert System: • A clickable link/URL in the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) message that is sent to cellular phones. This link opens the new @MSHPAlerts Twitter page that always contains the most up-to-date information concerning active alerts. Missouri was only the fourth state in the nation to successfully implement the inclusion of a link in the WEA message. • Integration of the clickable link/URL with bit.ly to shorten the length of the link. This is important since WEA messages using the current interface are limited to 90 characters. Shortening the length of the link allows more space for abduction details to appear in the alert sent directly to cell phones. The use of bit.ly provides advanced statistics allowing the Patrol to more accurately track the number of users clicking the embedded link. • The social media interface with Twitter now allows posting the full AMBER Alert poster, which includes photos of the victim, suspect, and vehicle (if available).

Although not directly related to the AMBER Alert program, the alerts system was enhanced to be used for Blue Alerts regarding threats to law enforcement personnel. This demonstrates the foundation created with the AMBER Alert system can be leveraged for other vital public safety purposes.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues work on further enhancements: • Future training for law enforcement. • Further streamlining regarding the ability of law enforcement agencies to make electronic requests for the issuance of AMBER Alerts in MULES and the Regional Justice Information System (REJIS). • Developing an enhanced public Application Program Interface (API) that will allow for the electronic sharing of active AMBER Alert information on various public media platforms such as electronic billboards. • Expanding the number of characters allowed in the transmission of a WEA text message in accordance with enhancements FEMA is making available as part of IPAWS 2.0.

8 AMBER Alert Criteria

No changes have been made to the AMBER Alert activation criteria in 2020. The AMBER Alert activation criteria are as follows: • Law enforcement officials have reasonable belief that an abduction has occurred which meets the definition in Section 565.110 or 565.115 RSMo.; • Law enforcement officials believe there is a credible threat of serious bodily injury or death to the victim; • Enough descriptive information exists about the victim and the abductor for law enforcement to issue an AMBER Alert; • The victim of the abduction is a child 17 years of age or younger; • The child’s name and other critical data elements — including the child abduction (CA) flag — have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system. Note: Parental disputes do not apply unless a possibility of harm to the child has been determined.

9 Training

The Patrol’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division MULES trainers conduct certification and recertification classes statewide for users of the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System. These classes include AMBER Alert training. Although the pandemic affected training, CJIS still provided necessary training for new certifications. The statistics below reflect the total number of attendees for MULES classes for the period of December 1, 2019, through November 30, 2020.

MULES Full Certification Classes 577 attendees

A MULES certification class includes a block of training covering the AMBER Alert system. Trainers explain the criteria for AMBER Alerts and the process for their issuance, as well as entering missing persons into MULES. This includes Endangered Person Advisory and Endangered Silver Advisory criteria.

Recertification Classes & Terminal Agency Coordinators’ Meetings MULES trainers review the AMBER Alert criteria and process, including technological advances, and discuss new laws that pertain to the AMBER Alert System. A) Statewide MULES users — 997 attendees B) Terminal Agency Coordinators’ Meeting — 257 attendees C) Police Chiefs Meeting at Hazelwood Police Department — 40 attendees

All COVID-19 protocol was followed during training. In response to COVID-19, the Patrol is reviewing an online platform for this training.

10 AMBER Alert Statistics

AMBER Alert Statistics December 1, 2019 – November 30, 2020.

• 45 Missouri AMBER Alert requests received by Highway Patrol Troop F • 13 requests met Missouri AMBER Alert criteria o 11 AMBER Alerts were broadcast ∙ 13 children located safe ∙ 1 child located deceased o 2 were approved, but the children were found safe prior to the alert broadcast. • 1 concluded when the children were found safe prior to verification that AMBER Alert criteria was met. • 10 requests were approved as an Endangered Person Advisory (EPA) o 5 were issued (6 children located safe) o 5 concluded when the children were found safe prior to alert issuance • 21 requests did not meet Missouri AMBER Alert or other alert criteria

ApprovedApproved Missouri Missouri AMBER AMBER Alerts 2003 Alerts - 2020* 2020* (*Statistics for 2020 cover January 1 - October 15, 2020) 14 13 13

12 11

10 9 8 8 8 7 7 6 6 6 5 5 4 4 4 4 4

2 2 2

0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

*Statistics for 2020 cover December 1, 2019 – November 30, 2020.

11 March 2020 Agenda

AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 18, 2020, 1400 hours Department of Public Safety, 1101 Riverside Drive, Jefferson City, MO 1st Floor, Independence Creek Conference Room

The Centers for Disease Control and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services are recommending “social distancing” — including limiting in- person gatherings whenever possible to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and considering this guidance, the Department of Public Safety is making this meeting available via conference call. If you plan to participate via conference call, dial: 1-844-740-1264; access code: 287 884 325

Attendees: Director Sandra K. Karsten, DPS Captain John J. Hotz, MSHP PIED Child Care Program Specialist Christine Wynn, DHSS Sheriff Stephen Korte, Pike County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Medley, Iron County Sheriff’s Office Bridget Lovelle, News Director at KY3 and KSPR Lieutenant Craig R. Kicker, MSHP Troop F Division Director Corey Chaney, MSHP CommD Chief Operator James M. Parks, MSHP CommD Assistant Director Jeffrey D. Reece, MSHP CJIS

Welcome and Introductions — Director Karsten Presentation by Families Against Violence PAC — Josh Schisler Discussion of and approval of 2019 AMBER Alert Annual Report — Captain Hotz AMBER Alert statistics for 2020 — Lieutenant Kicker Communications Update — Mr. Chaney AMBER Alert Twitter Upgrade — Mr. Reece Discussion of expired CSRs dealing with AMBER Alerts — Committee Adjournment

12 March 2020 Minutes

AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 18, 2020, 1400 hours Department of Public Safety, 1101 Riverside Drive, Jefferson City, MO, first floor Sugar Loaf Rock Conference Room.

Present in the conference room: Members: Director Sandra Karsten, DPS Captain John Hotz, MSHP Guests/Presenters: Communications Director Mike O’Connell, DPS MSHP Public Information Specialist III Cheryl Cobb Deputy Mikol Skaggs, Dent County Mr. Josh Schisler, Families Against Violence PAC

Present via conference call: Members: Bridget Lovelle, News Director at KY3 and KSPR Sheriff Stephen Korte, Pike County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Medley, Iron County Sheriff’s Office Child Care Program Specialist Christine Wynn, DHSS Guests/Presenters: Lieutenant Craig Kicker, MSHP Communications Director J. Corey Chaney, MSHP CJIS Assistant Director Jeffrey D. Reece, MSHP Chief Operator James M. Parks, MSHP

DPS Director Karsten opened the meeting and facilitated introductions. A conference room and a conference call were utilized in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. A roll call of AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee members was taken. Quorum declared. Guest presenter Josh Schisler spoke to the committee about HAILEY’s App and www.Haileysapp.com. This application uses alerts populated on the Missouri Continued on next page 13 State Highway Patrol Twitter account coupled with Google Maps to provide alert information, a mapped search area, and safety guidelines for searching for a missing child. Mr. Schisler suggested the state of Missouri use this instead of MoAlerts.com, the new Patrol platform for informing the public about a missing child. He said he is not seeking revenue. Committee members did not have any questions for Mr. Schisler. DRAFT AMBER Alert Oversight Committee 2019 Annual Report — Discussion determined that with an update to the cover letter and list of members appointed on page 6, the annual report could be approved and finalized. Motion to accept annual report after those two items were updated made by Committee Member Lovelle. Seconded by Sheriff Medley. Motion carried. Captain Hotz to make requested changes and issue the final version of 2019 annual report. Lieutenant Craig Kicker informed the committee that from January 1, 2020 through March 17, 2020, there were 46 requests for silver/endangered/missing children alerts. Four of those requests were for AMBER Alerts. Two AMBER Alerts were issued; the other two did not meet alert requirements. The updated AMBER Alert system was utilized and the Wireless Emergency Alerts played a role in the recovery of both children. Communication update — Director Chaney reports that the appliance used to issue AMBER Alerts is in production. The next step is to work with Missouri Broadcasters Association to create a backup system for issuing EAS alerts. AMBER Alert Twitter Update — Assistant Director Reece informed the committee with Senator Eric Burlison’s support, the Patrol has enhanced its Twitter usage with a url taking users to the most current information. The MSHP team worked with Twitter representatives and have a page with special access to make sure it has all required elements. This page will be completed by the end of the month and resolves any url issues. CJIS is currently in testing, which should be completed by the end of March. The MSHP Twitter Alerts page @MSHPAlerts includes a picture, alert information, etc. Assistant Director Reece also clarified that once Missouri’s wireless alert system was in place, the two missing children’s alerts issued in 2020 were sent out statewide within three to four minutes. This is much quicker than when Missouri went through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Missouri’s wireless alerts led to a quick resolution of the aforementioned missing children cases. Discussion of old CSRs regarding AMBER Alerts — Captain Hotz referred the committee to the copy of 11 CSR 30-010.010 which had been sent to them prior to the meeting. He indicated the previous CSR provided definitions, the activation process, and authority and would require very little updating. There were no questions or comments from committee members. Director Karsten asked

Continued on next page 14 Captain Hotz to move forward with the minor updates suggested. A draft of the new CSR will be sent to committee members for review. Director Karsten solicited additional comments/information from the oversight committee members. None given. Public comments: During the meeting, Director Karsten allowed Mr. Schisler to comment outside the time allotted his presentation. His comments included: A suggestion to change MoALERTS.com to Haileysapp.com; requesting that Missouri keep statistics regarding where missing children are located, similar to statistics kept by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; and sharing his opinion that while the current AMBER Alerts have good information they should encourage the public to help search. Sheriff Korte motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Sheriff Medley seconded. Meeting adjourned.

15 November 2020 Agenda

AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee Meeting

Thursday, November 12, 2020, 1500 hours Via Conference Call Agenda The Centers for Disease Control and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services are recommending “social distancing” — including limiting in-person gatherings whenever possible to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and considering this guidance, the Department of Public Safety is making this meeting available only via conference call. Dial: 1-650-479-3207 Meeting number (access code): 177 525 6157 Attendees: Director Sandra K. Karsten, DPS Captain John J. Hotz, MSHP PIED Child Care Program Specialist Christine Wynn, DHSS Sheriff Stephen Korte, Pike County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Roger Medley, Iron County Sheriff’s Office Bridget Lovelle, News Director at KY3 and KSPR Captain Corey Schoeneberg, MSHP Troop F Captain Christopher Jolly, MSHP CJIS Division Director Corey Chaney, MSHP CommD Chief Operator James M. Parks, MSHP CommD Assistant Director Jeffrey D. Reece, MSHP CJIS Communications Director Mike O’Connell, DPS Public Information Specialist III Cheryl Cobb, MSHP PIED

Welcome and Introductions — Director Karsten Discussion of and approval of Draft AMBER Alert Annual Report — Captain Hotz AMBER Alert statistics for 2020 — Captain Schoeneberg Communications Update — Mr. Chaney AMBER Alert Twitter Upgrade — Mr. Reece Adjournment

16 November 2020 Minutes

AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee Meeting Thursday, November 12, 2020, 1500 hours Via Conference Call The Centers for Disease Control and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services are recommending “social distancing,” including limiting in-person gatherings whenever possible to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and considering this guidance, the Department of Public Safety made this meeting available only via conference call. Dial: 1-650-479-3207 Meeting number (access code): 177 525 6157 Attendees: Director Sandra K. Karsten, DPS Captain John J. Hotz, MSHP PIED Child Care Program Specialist Christine Wynn, DHSS Sheriff Stephen Korte, Pike County Sheriff’s Office Bridget Lovelle, News Director at KY3 and KSPR Captain Corey Schoeneberg, MSHP Troop F Division Director Corey Cheney, MSHP CommD Chief Operator James M. Parks, MSHP CommD Assistant Director Jeffrey D. Reece, MSHP CJIS Captain Chris Jolly, MSHP CJIS Communications Director Mike O’Connell, DPS Public Information Specialist III Cheryl Cobb, MSHP PIED

DPS Director Karsten welcomed the attendees. A roll call of the committee members revealed there was no quorum. Discus- sions continued but no official business took place. The AMBER Alert System Oversight Committee began with a discussion of a draft copy of its 2020 annual report. Captain Hotz led the discussion which included the following: • Director Karsten reminded the committee that statistics in the 2020 report would cover the same time frame as the preceding annual report, December 1, 2019 to November 30, 2020. • The proposed amendment to Title 11 has been sent to the Secretary of State’s office for approval and Director Karsten expects to receive approval soon. • Director Karsten inquired as to whether the training module mentioned in the draft included an online module due to coronavirus. Captain Schoeneberg replied that MSHP is reviewing an online platform for this training. Although the pandemic has affected training, CJIS is still providing necessary training for new certifications. Continued on next page 17 • Committee members asked that the coronavirus affecting training be acknowledged in the report in the training section. Captain Hotz acknowledged that change. AMBER Alert statistics for 2020 Captain Schoeneberg led the discussion on 2020 statistics for AMBER Alerts. Statistics are located on page 11 of the annual report. Ms. Lovelle inquired about the availability of statistics regarding the time from when an alert is sent to when a message arrives in cell phones. She also asked if there is any information regarding differences in these times due to service provider. Captain Schoeneberg replied that the after-action survey shows the time of approval to cell phone to be 14 minutes. Additional information captured includes when the abduction happened, when the law enforcement agency requested the AMBER Alert, and when the Patrol sends the alert. However, it would be difficult to capture specific information as it relates to different carriers. Director Karsten inquired as to an agency standard and where Missouri falls within it. Captain Schoeneberg replied that Missouri’s AMBER Alert system is extremely fast when compared to other states. California has a goal to get messages out in 30 minutes. They get bulletins out before activating phones. In Missouri, the WEA is prioritized and then followed up by a bulletin on Twitter. When compared to the Cali- fornia Highway Patrol, Missouri’s time is much better.

Communications Update Mr. Chaney thanked CJIS and COMM teams for fantastic performance with the upgrade. RAVE, our backup system, is still in place and still working. Ms. Lovelle voiced concerns about the alerts and many stations disabling them. Mr. Chaney advised he had talked with Bob Moore of the Missouri Broadcasters Association about the issue. Captain Schoeneberg advised that each time an alert is broadcast, a follow up review is conducted with the requesting agency. There is a debrief to see what can be done better. Director Karsten asked Ms. Lovelle to let the Patrol know what issues result in a station opting out. Captain Schoeneberg, Captain Hotz, or Mr. Chaney would help reach a resolution.

AMBER Alert Twitter Mr. Reece indicated the Patrol has begun including a URL in each WEA message. On average, there are about 200,000 clicks on the WEA URL within the first three minutes. As of July 2020, Missouri was one of only four states with this capability. The Patrol applied to Twitter for developer access and now controls everything with the Twitter interface.

Continued on next page 18 CJIS has completely integrated MULES 5 with alert capability which allows the alert request to be submitted directly. This allows the Troop F communications operator to forward the request directly into the AMBER Alert system. Mr. Reese indicated he is not sure he has seen agencies utilize this function. CJIS will work with REGIS to implement an interface with REGIS agencies. MoDOT signs are a great option and the Patrol has an interface for them but have not yet reached out. The Patrol wants to make sure we have shored up the system, so an interface is smooth and successful.

New Business 1) Captain Schoeneberg requested the committee’s feedback regarding a regional alert distribution plan rather than statewide. Each troop represents a region and alerts can be sent to one or more troops. Statistically speaking, national trend is moving toward regional alerts. After a lengthy discussion, the committee determined that gathering information showing where each abduction was reported and the location of the find would assist in making a decision on this topic. Captain Schoeneberg will gather this information for the last three years. The committee will use the information to consider creating criteria for regional versus statewide distribution. 2) Captain Schoeneberg asked the committee for feedback regarding alerts requested between the hours of 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. due to complaints from people who have been woken up by alerts. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided information regarding early morning alert requests would be gathered. The committee would revisit the topic at the spring meeting. 3) Captain Schoeneberg said the Kansas City Police Department inquired about entering license plates of vehicles involved in an abduction into license plate reader systems. The Patrol does not have license plate readers, so this would have to be tied to other agencies. No further action was decided at the time. Director Karsten asked if there were any additional topics to be discussed. Captain Hotz reiterated that if anyone has any concerns or issues, to please contact any of the Patrol representatives at any time. Ms. Lovelle asked about the other seats on the committee being filled. Director Karsten answered that there have been some names submitted and she expected action to be taken on this matter after the special session. Director Karsten expressed her appreciation to the committee. Sheriff Korte moved to adjourn. Ms. Lovelle seconded. Motion carried and the meeting adjourned.

AMBER Alert Oversight Committee Email Meeting On December 14, 2020, the AMBER Alert Oversight Committee met via email. A quorum was declared. Members of the committee approved the March 18, 2020 meeting minutes and the November 12, 2020 meeting minutes. 19 20