For Immediate Release

March 29, 2013
 
TALLAHASSEE – This month marks the 30^th anniversary of Florida’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC).   Florida was the first state in the country to establish a missing person’s clearinghouse.  Since MEPIC’s doors opened, more than 1,000 missing persons have been recovered through efforts of the clearinghouse. 
 

MEPIC assists law enforcement and families in locating missing persons by providing analytical services, collecting and disseminating relevant information and engaging the public in the search. 
 
MEPIC works with other states, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, INTERPOL, the Department of Children and Families and other state partners to exchange information, tips and leads about missing persons to ensure the best chance of recovery.
 
In addition, MEPIC works with the Medical Examiners Commission on the Unidentified Deceased Initiative, combining the modern technology of DNA collection with traditional missing person’s investigative efforts. 
 
Each September, MEPIC and the MEPIC Advisory Board coordinate Florida’s Missing Children’s Day in Tallahassee.  The ceremony remembers the missing, and honors the efforts of citizens, law enforcement and public servants who have made an impact on the safety of Florida’s citizens.
 
Three types of alerts are sent by the clearinghouse; AMBER Alerts, Missing Child Alerts and Florida Silver Alerts.  To sign up for email-based alerts, please visit http://www.missingchildrenalert.com/
 
 
For further information contact:
Gretl Plessinger or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850)410-7001