Missing Kids Readiness Program renewed by CCSO to protect children
Citrus County, Florida - As part of its vision to make Citrus County the safest community in Florida, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office has renewed its membership in the Missing Kids Readiness Program. This program was developed by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and promotes best practices for responding to calls of missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children. Emergency call centers and law enforcement agencies are recognized for meeting essential training and policy elements and demonstrating preparedness for responding to a missing child incident.
"From the moment the report of a missing child comes in, to the resolution of the case, every action taken has the potential to make the difference between a successful recovery or a tragic outcome," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "This program ensures the CCSO team has the best training, knowledge, and resources when responding to a report of a missing or exploited child."
To meet the program's requirements, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office reviewed its missing child policy with NCMEC ensure it will meet the critical elements of NCMEC's model policy for call center agencies. Philip Tompkins, Communications Quality Assurance & Training Coordinator, completed comprehensive training for the program. In addition, all Communications Certified Training Officers, Communications Officers in Charge, Communications Supervisors, and Communication Officers completed the online training required for their membership.
A NCMEC spokesperson stated, "By demonstrating remarkable leadership, and making this commitment of training and preparedness, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office is communicating to its citizens and families that protecting the lives and safety of their children is a top priority. We at the National Center would like to express our sincere gratitude and congratulations to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office for their diligence and commitment to children."
Armed with the information, knowledge, and operational resources gained through meeting the program criteria, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office continues to be positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively, and effectively when a child's life may be at stake.
Learn more about NCMEC and the Missing Kids Readiness Program here
www.missingkids.org/education/training/missing-kids-readiness-program.
View a complete listing of all MKRP recognized agencies here: www.missingkids.org/supportus/pon.