2015 Maryland Code
PUBLIC SAFETY
Title 3 - LAW ENFORCEMENT
Subtitle 6 - MISSING PERSONS
§ 3-606 - Yellow Alert Program.

(a) Definitions. --

(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) "Law enforcement agency" means a State, county, or municipal police department or agency, or a sheriff's department.

(3) "Missing suspect" means an individual:

(i) whose whereabouts are unknown;

(ii) who is suspected of violating § 27-113 of the Transportation Article; and

(iii) whose vehicle the reporting law enforcement agency is able to describe, including any information about the vehicle's registration plate.

(b) Program established. --

(1) The Department of State Police shall establish a Yellow Alert Program to provide a system for rapid dissemination of information to assist in locating and apprehending a missing suspect.

(2) The Department of State Police shall:

(i) adopt guidelines and develop procedures for issuing a Yellow Alert for a missing suspect;

(ii) provide training to local law enforcement agencies on the guidelines and procedures to be used to make and handle a report of a missing suspect;

(iii) provide assistance to a local law enforcement agency, as necessary, to assist in the location and apprehension of a missing suspect;

(iv) recruit public and commercial television and radio broadcasters, local volunteer groups, and other members of the public to assist in developing and implementing a Yellow Alert; and

(v) consult with the State Highway Administration to establish a plan for providing information relating to a Yellow Alert to the public through the dynamic message sign system located across the State.

(c) Notification. -- A law enforcement officer or agency that apprehends a missing suspect who is the subject of a Yellow Alert immediately shall notify the Department of State Police and the law enforcement agency that filed the report resulting in the Yellow Alert that the missing suspect has been apprehended.