29-15-3. Missing persons information clearinghouse; function.
342 words·~2 min read·
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A. The "missing persons information clearinghouse" is established in the department of public safety. The department of public safety shall provide for the administration of the clearinghouse. The department of public safety may adopt rules to carry out the provisions of the Missing Persons Information and Reporting Act [Chapter 29, Article 15 NMSA 1978] in the manner prescribed in Subsection E of Section 9-1-5 NMSA 1978.
B. The clearinghouse is a central repository of information on missing persons and shall be used by all law enforcement agencies, including tribal agencies, in this state.
C. The clearinghouse shall:
(1)establish a system of intrastate communication of information relating to missing persons;
(2)provide a centralized file for the exchange of information on missing persons and unidentified human remains within the state;
(3)communicate with the national crime information center for the exchange of information on missing persons suspected of interstate travel;
(4)collect, process, maintain and disseminate accurate and complete information on missing persons;
(5)provide a statewide toll-free telephone line for the reporting of missing persons and for receiving information on missing persons;
(6)disseminate to custodians, law enforcement agencies, the public education department, the children, youth and families department and the general public information that explains how to prevent child abduction and what to do if a child becomes missing;
(7)compile statistics relating to the incidence of missing persons within the state;
(8)provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and social services agencies pertaining to missing persons;
(9)establish a media protocol for disseminating information pertaining to missing persons; and
(10)host the annual missing in New Mexico event.
D. The clearinghouse shall print and distribute posters, flyers and other forms of information containing descriptions of missing persons.
E. The department of public safety may accept public or private grants, gifts and donations to assist the department in carrying out the provisions of the Missing Persons Information and Reporting Act.
History: Laws 1995, ch. 146, § 3; 2010, ch. 33, § 4; 2022, ch. 3, § 2.