A missing child was found dead on July 15 after Kentucky State Police issued an immediate alert notification (IAN). The 5-year-old boy, who had autism, went missing from his home in Cub Run at around 8 a.m. and was located a few hours later.
KSP spokesperson Sherry Bray said that when specific criteria is met, they issue an immediate alert notification in accordance with KRS 16.176. The law went into effect on July 15, 2024, and was used by the commonwealth agency for the first time a year later.
Here’s what we know about an IAN alert.
More: Hart County boy found dead following IAN Alert. What we know so far
What is an IAN alert?
An IAN alert is a new statewide alert system intended to save the lives of kids with autism. It is named after Ian Sousis, 9, of Waynesburg, who died in 2022. According to WLWT5, Sousis ran away from the Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky and drowned in the Ohio River, prompting the legislation. Autism Speaks says many autistic people are attracted to water due to the sensory experience it provides.
KRS 16.176 says “all law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth shall cooperate” with the dissemination of information regarding a missing child through an IAN alert when they believe the child is endangered, believe it is the most effective way to locate the child in a safe manner and have identified the geographic location where the notification will be made.
The first use of the alert system was statewide, also reaching some in the Cincinnati area. Bray said they are working to prevent alerts to residents in other states moving forward.
“We are aware there was an issue with the alert that caused it to reach the Cincinnati area and have taken action to prevent it from happening in the future,” Bray said.
How to silence, turn off emergency alerts on your phone
Apple Support says to go to settings and then notifications before scrolling to the emergency alerts section. Individuals can either turn off the alert systems or adjust the settings to silence them.
Similarly, those with an Android can visit settings and then notifications before going to the wireless emergency alerts section and adjusting the settings.
Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky State Police issues first IAN alert. Difference between AMBER