Bill Overview
Title: Corey Adams Searchlight Act
Description: This bill directs the Department of Justice to establish a national communications network—the Green Alert communications network—to support regional and local search efforts for missing veterans. The Green Alert communications network must operate in coordination with the AMBER Alert communications network (i.e., the communications network that supports search efforts for abducted children) and any other state alert networks.
Sponsors: Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans
Estimated Size: 20000000
- There are over 20 million veterans in the United States, many of whom can potentially be part of or benefit from improved search efforts if missing.
- Veterans' families and loved ones would also be indirectly affected due to enhanced search effectiveness and reassurance.
- The Green Alert system's implementation could also enhance or require coordination with current search and alert systems, potentially impacting law enforcement and emergency response teams.
Reasoning
- The policy is aimed at aiding in the search for missing veterans, affecting primarily those veterans and their families directly involved in such situations. Given veterans number over 20 million in the US, its direct impact might be moderately widespread but deeply significant for those impacted.
- With a budget of $10,000,000 in the first year, the reach per capita is limited, but the intended strategic use within existing networks (like AMBER Alerts) might enhance efficiency without extensive immediate spending on new infrastructure.
- Additionally, local and state law enforcement agencies will likely be impacted as they will need to adapt to and integrate this alert system into their current operations.
- The wellbeing scores will reflect potential peace of mind for affected families and communities even though not every veteran family will experience a direct impact.
Simulated Interviews
Retired veteran (Texas)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the Green Alert is a very necessary policy. Many of my fellow veterans struggle, and going missing can be tragic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Veterans' advocate (California)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act will finally give us a structure to follow when someone goes missing. It brings hope to families I work with.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Law Enforcement Officer (Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It adds a layer of work, but it's essential for the safety of those who served our country. It's a beneficial step forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Social Worker (New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There's a growing need for something like the Green Alert. Many I work with lack family, so this is a peace-bringing option.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Veteran with medical issues (Florida)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's comforting knowing that if I go missing, there's a system in place. It eases my family’s worries, too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Police Dispatcher (Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any system that enhances our ability to quickly respond while coordinating efforts is a plus. It’s always about time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Retired veteran (Georgia)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It should've been in place sooner. Anything that prevents what my friend went through is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Veterans' Affairs Officer (Virginia)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The strategic use alongside existing alerts is smart. It should help families feel more supported.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Emergency Response Technician (Washington)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It will add clarity to alerts. With better structure, we can help veterans faster, which is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Mental Health Counselor (Colorado)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Creating more secure systems will reassure families. It’s a sign that we're willing to protect those who served.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Key Considerations
- The integration with the AMBER Alert system suggests a potential for shared resources, reducing duplication of efforts.
- Ensuring coordination among various state alert systems may be complex and requires robust planning and execution.
- Potential legal and privacy concerns around data sharing and coordination need to be addressed.
- The effectiveness of the communications network depends on quick adoption and usage by local and regional authorities.