CHICAGO (AP) — A new Illinois law will provide law enforcement with additional tools to help find people with Alzheimer’s or dementia when they go missing.
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation Friday to create the “Silver Search” program.
The Silver Search is similar to the Amber Alert issued when children are abducted. It will allow police agencies to post messages on electronic signs along Illinois highways and send blast email messages to media.
Bill sponsor Sen. Daniel Biss says people with dementia might not be able to keep themselves safe if they wander away from home. The Evanston Democrat says “it’s imperative we use all the tools at our disposal to find them quickly.”
The law takes effect Jan. 1.