[Adopted 9-15-2011 by L.L. No. 46-2011]
A.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that over 2,000 children
go missing in the United States each day. This Legislature also finds
and determines that prompt reporting of a missing child is important
to aid in the child's swift and safe return. This Legislature
further finds and determines that since 2008, the nation has been
gripped by the story of Caylee Anthony, a young child who went missing
and was eventually found dead. This Legislature finds that Caylee
Anthony was not reported missing by her mother for 31 days after her
initial disappearance. This Legislature determines that parents and
guardians who have been entrusted with the care of a child should
be obligated to report their child missing within 24 hours or face
serious consequences for failure to do so. This Legislature also finds
that failure to report a child missing within 24 hours should be a
criminal act subject to significant penalties.
B.
Therefore, the purpose of this article is to require a parent or
guardian of a child to report his/her child missing within 24 hours
of discovering the child's disappearance.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any natural person who has been charged with ensuring the
safety and well-being of a minor for a period of 24 hours or longer.
This term shall not apply to any person responsible for a minor for
less than a twenty-four-hour period.
The Suffolk County Police Department or, if the minor goes
missing outside of the Police District, a Town or village police department.
Any natural person under the age of 18 years.
The mother or father of a minor.
If a minor goes missing in the County of Suffolk, the minor's
parent or guardian must report same to law enforcement within 24 hours
of discovering the minor's disappearance.
Violation of this article shall constitute an unclassified misdemeanor,
punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year's
imprisonment.
This article shall apply to all actions occurring on or after
the effective date of this article.
