February 10, 2011------Ocean County-----Have you been driving down the highway and noticed a Silver Alert sign lately?  If not, chances are that you will.  Almost everyone is familiar with the Amber Alert System, but the Silver Alert System was only signed into law in New Jersey on July 1, 2010 and you may be unaware what this means.

A Silver Alert is issued when the person who is missing is believed to be suffering from Dementia or other cognitive impairment regardless of age along with other criteria.  A call to 911 would be made and then the Missing Persons Department would determine if a Silver Alert is indicated and put all the next steps into place. Posting on highway message boards would occur only if the person is believed to be driving a motor vehicle at the time of their disappearance.

Silver Alert Training to representatives from the Ocean County Police Departments, Sheriff Department and Communication Operators was held in early February.  Lynette Whiteman, Executive Director of Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey provided training about behavioral issues when searching and interacting with someone with Dementia.

If you would like further information about Silver Alert, please contact Det. Lt. Laurie B. Cahill at the Ocean County’s Sheriff Department 732-288-7207, or if you would like to learn more about resources for people with dementia, please contact Lynette Whiteman at 732.505.2273 or email info@caregivervolunteers.org.