FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) Becomes Member of
the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
NEW ORLEANS (August 16, 2018) – The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has formally awarded distinguished recognition to the Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) as a partner in the Missing Kids Readiness Program. NCMEC developed the Missing Kids Readiness Program to promote best practices for responding to calls of missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children. 911 call centers and law enforcement agencies are recognized for meeting essential training and policy elements 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 and a tragic outcome.
To meet the requirements of the program, the Orleans Parish Communication District (New Orleans 9-1-1) worked with NCMEC on their missing child policy to ensure it met the critical elements of NCMEC’s model policy for call center agencies. All telecommunicators, supervisors, managers and executive staff have completed the required training for recognition in the program. By demonstrating remarkable leadership and making this commitment of training and preparedness, the Orleans Parish Communication District (New Orleans 9-1-1) is communicating to its citizens and families, protecting the lives and safety of their children is a top priority.
“OPCD is consistently evaluating our policies against industry best-practices and looking for opportunities to improve service. This partnership will aid us in ensuring we respond appropriately to these critical cases where children are reported at-risk”, says Executive Director Tyrell Morris. Armed with the information, knowledge and operational resources gained through meeting the Program criteria, the Orleans Parish Communication District (New Orleans 9-1-1) is now positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively, and effectively when a child’s life may be at stake. Orleans Parish Communication District (New Orleans 9-1-1) is one of the original 298 Missing Kids Readiness Program agencies in the United States who have achieved this status and the third public safety answering point (PSAP) within the state of Louisiana.
According to the FBI, in 2017 there were 464,324 reports taken for missing children. Members of the public are reminded to immediately call 9-1-1 to report missing and/or found children. Certified emergency telecommunicators will process your call quickly and dispatch the appropriate resources.
To learn more about NCMEC and the Missing Kids Readiness Program, visit http://www.missingkids.com/ourwork/training/mkrp.
For a full listing of all MKRP recognized agencies, visit http://www.missingkids.com/ourwork/training/mkrpmembers.
About the Orleans Parish Communication District
Formed in 1982, the Orleans Parish Communication District is the PSAP for all emergency communications via 9-1-1 within Orleans Parish. The agency employs over 150 individuals and provides emergency medical dispatch, emergency fire dispatch, and emergency police dispatch for the millions of annual visitors and residents of the City of New Orleans. OPCD is a member of the Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).
For Media Inquires
Contact: Marcus Creel
Public Engagement Manager
601-319-2024
mcreel@911nola.org
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