FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BLOUNT COUNTY 9·1·1 The Blount County Communications District PO Box 911 Oneonta, Alabama 35121 Voice: (205)625-4911 Fax: (205)625-4916 E-mail: [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Blount County Leverages New Technology to Help Return a Teen Home 31 May, 2015 – A Blount County teen was returned home safely thanks to the aid of two new pieces of technology. A 13 year old male went missing from his home on Valley Court in Oneonta on Friday, May 29th around 3:00 p.m. Oneonta Police Department was dispatched to investigate the unidentified person who authorities say went missing shortly before the 9-1-1 call was placed. Once on the scene, officers issued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) as well as gave a physical description of the male. This description was entered into Nixle, the county’s new mass notification system, to request the public’s assistance in locating the teen. Within four minutes of issuing the Nixle notification, telecommunicators at Blount 9-1-1 had spotted the teen on 9-1-1’s tower camera and two calls had been received from citizens stating they had received the Nixle information via text and located the teen close to the intersection of U.S. Highway 231 and First Avenue. The teen was found unharmed and returned home by law enforcement. “We are very fortunate to have these new technologies at our disposal”, said Blount 9-1-1 Director Caleb Branch. “Nixle acts as a force multiplier to give authorities additional sets of eyes via citizen involvement and is also another means of passing along valuable information to the public.” This is the first time Nixle has been used in Blount County to assist in locating a missing person. 9-11 has previously spotted stolen vehicles, out-of-control drivers, and robbery suspects via its camera in Oneonta. Nixle Notifications is a coordinated effort between the Blount County Commission, EMA, Sheriff’s Office, and District Attorney. To receive these important notifications, text your zip code to 888777 or visit www.nixle.com.
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