§ 35-3-82 — Powers and duties

(a) The center may: (1) Establish a system of intrastate communication of information relating to missing children; (2) Provide a centralized file for the exchange of information on missing children within the state; (3) Interface and connect with the National Crime Information Center for the exchange of information on missing children and children suspected of interstate travel; (4) Collect, process, maintain, and disseminate information on missing children and unidentified bodies and strive to maintain or disseminate only accurate and complete information; (5) Cooperate with the State Board of Education in compiling lists of missing children in this state for distribution to local school districts; (6) Compile annual statistics on the number of missing children; (7) Develop recommendations for better reporting and use of computer systems; (8) Provide assistance to local law enforcement agencies providing fingerprint programs for children; (9) Circulate a monthly bulletin of missing children to all law enforcement agencies in the state; (10) Assist local law enforcement agencies in establishing direct computer access to the Missing Children Information Center; (11) Act as a liaison between private citizens and law enforcement agencies regarding appropriate procedures for handling and responding to missing children reports; and (12) Establish a toll-free telephone number to assist individuals and agencies in the reporting of missing children and information relative to missing children. (b) The center is authorized to join and participate in any network of state missing children centers or clearing-houses, specifically including but not limited to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.