Becomes 5th agency in Georgia to meet requirements of Missing Kids Readiness Project
Habersham County E-911 is being recognized for its commitment to protecting children after successfully completing specialized training and enacting policies established by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The Missing Kids Readiness Project promotes best practices for responding to calls of missing, abducted and sexually exploited children. To meet the requirements, Habersham County E-911 had to write and implement a policy approved by NCMEC on how to handle these types of cases. E-911 Director Lynn Smith and Assistant Director Melanie Bellinger also attended a two day training course at NCEMC headquarters in Virginia and each member of the local 911 Center had to pass an online course.
“This is another way for all of us here at Habersham County to help protect our children,” Smith says. “It provides us with questions to ask, information to give our officers as well as reporting it to the NCMEC for quicker response nationwide.”
“Habersham County E-911 is now positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively, and effectively when a child’s life may be at stake.” ~ NCMEC
In announcing the achievement NCMEC said, “Habersham County E-911 is now positioned to respond more quickly, comprehensively, and effectively when a child’s life may be at stake. By demonstrating remarkable leadership and making this commitment of training and preparedness, the Habersham County E-911 is communicating to its citizens and families that protecting the lives and safety of their children is a top priority.”
Habersham County E-911 is one of 251 Public Safety Answering Point agencies (911 Centers) in the United States to achieve this status, the 5th in the state of Georgia.
“I am very proud as Director for the initiative the entire staff has taken in accomplishing the completion of this project,” says Smith. “My Assistant Director, Melanie Bellinger oversaw the project and made sure each employee completed the required training. My hats off to each one of them. Most all (of them) have children and understand the importance of keeping our future safe.”
To learn more about NCMEC and the Missing Kids Readiness Project visit https://www.missingkids.com/MKRP.
For a full listing of all MKRP recognized agencies, go to: https://www.missingkids.com/MKRP/Members.
