NCJ Number
185420
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 52 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2000 Pages: 20-94
Date Published
2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the operation of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and how citizens can access its services.
Abstract
In 1984 the U.S. Congress passed the Missing Children's Assistance Act, and 2 years later it passed the National Child Search Assistance Act, thus establishing a national clearinghouse of information about missing and exploited children. This clearinghouse was named the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A private, nonprofit organization, the NCMEC acts as a resource for searching parents and law enforcement professionals in their efforts to find and recover missing and abducted children. NCMEC also disseminates information to raise public awareness about the issues of child molestation, victimization, and sexual exploitation. Through a skilled and dedicated staff, the NCMEC provides the following types of services: a 24-hour, toll-free hotline/CyberTipline (800-843-5678 or www.cybertipline.com), which accepts reports of missing children as well as lead information on missing and sexually exploited children; photograph and poster preparation and distribution; age enhancement, facial reconstruction, and imaging/identification services; technical case assistance; educational materials and publications; and an Internet site (www.missingkids.com). NCMEC also maintains links with law enforcement agencies at all governmental levels.