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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
PROCLAIMING APRIL 20, 2024 AS, “MISSING PERSONS DAY” IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, Cook County is home to a diverse population, and each year, individuals from our communities go missing under various circumstances, leaving behind families and loved ones who endure immense emotional distress and uncertainty; and,
WHEREAS, the observance of Missing Persons Day in Cook County serves as a poignant reminder of the countless individuals whose whereabouts remain unknown, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address this pressing issue and provide support to affected families including access to counseling, legal assistance, and financial resources; and,
WHEREAS, on May 20, 2017, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office hosted the first Missing Persons Day in Cook County which allowed members of the public to connect with those family members missing more than one month for free by using the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs); and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the National Crime Information Center had 97,127 active missing persons records with 39,504 records accounting for children under the age of 21 and 30,522 records for children under the age of 18; and,
WHEREAS, Cook County recognizes the critical role of government agencies, law enforcement bodies, community organizations, and individuals in enhancing mechanisms for the swift resolution of missing persons cases and in providing compassionate assistance to the families left behind; and,
WHEREAS, by designating a Missing Persons Day Cook County seeks to raise awareness, educate the public, and encourage the promotion of public awareness campaigns to educate community members about the warning signs and other factors contributing to missing persons incidents, and empower individuals to take preventive measures; and,
WHEREAS, Cook County reaffirms our unwavering commitment to finding answers and achieving justice for victims and their families, and declares our collective resolve to work towards preventing future disappearances and ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community; and,
WHEREAS, on April 20, 2024, Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office will hold its Missing Persons Day and for the first time utilize the ANDE Rapid DNA Technology to immediately identify biologically related family members of the missing person; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners commends the dedication and commitment of Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, law enforcement agencies including the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, local police departments and task forces, and the Consulado General de Mexico, Consulate General of Poland, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Office of the State Guardian, and neighboring coroner’s offices, in their tireless efforts to investigate missing persons cases, pursue leads, and reunite families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, hereby proclaims April 20, 2024 as, “Missing Persons Day,” in Cook County, IL and encourages the citizens of Cook County to observe it annually as a day of remembrance, reflection, and action, and to facilitate community events, vigils, and outreach initiatives to honor the memories of missing individuals and offer support to their families. end