Springfield, IL – Families of missing persons in Illinois will soon see faster response times from police under a new law signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker last week. The Missing Persons Identification Act eliminates the longstanding practice of waiting before filing a missing persons report.
According to the Governor’s office, the measure requires law enforcement agencies across the state to immediately accept a missing persons report and enter it into the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). Previously, some departments imposed delays before opening an investigation, a practice critics said placed victims at greater risk.
The law, set to take effect January 1, requires officers to treat all missing persons reports as urgent, regardless of the individual’s age or circumstances. Lawmakers and advocates who supported the bill said the change will help protect vulnerable people and streamline communication between agencies.
Supporters noted that early reporting is often critical in missing persons cases. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System reports that swift data entry increases the chances of locating an individual quickly. By requiring immediate action, Illinois joins a growing number of states adopting similar measures.
Governor Pritzker said the legislation represents a step forward in protecting families during times of crisis. “No family should face delays when a loved one goes missing,” he said in a statement following the bill signing.
The act was passed with bipartisan support in the Illinois General Assembly earlier this year. It will apply to all law enforcement agencies in the state beginning with the new year.
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