Need for National Awareness
The tragedy of a person going missing is always a serious matter, and the recent news of children going missing from a small town in Mississippi has raised tense emotions. The story has grown with the high number of persons involved, and the age of the children, with local parents worried about the safety of their own children. With the media coverage it has received, it has painted a worrying picture of safety in America, and rightly so.
A survey taken from the town’s demographic suggested that the main group of kids involved in the missing cases are from the economically challenged side of the town, who are struggling to stay afloat and provide for their families. It just brings to light the pressing needs for more national awareness on childhood and people’s security, as the missing kids are at risk of turning into a much bigger national issue.
Growing Need for a Solution
Though the community is deeply concerned, we can agree that no one should be subjected to an experience like this and a need for a solution is palpable. People have taken to social media in numbers to voice their remedies, and ideas have evolved ranging from stronger policing measures to community-based initiatives.
Another series of issues being raised at the same time include public places inhabited by people that seem to attract such ill-doers, as well as places frequented by them, both of which could be closed down or keep under closer monitoring.
Strategies to Locate the Children
The police and local state government put multiple strategies in motion in the aftermath of the incident, in the hopes of finding the kidnapped children alive. Launching a general manhunt was the most obvious way for them to do this. Volunteers from the community turned out in scores helping with the search and rescue, along with support from the police, state, and national levels agencies.
Local news sources suggest that the efforts included setting up a toll-free number, sending out AMBER Alerts, offering rewarding to those with reported insights, and police surveillance along roads and houses where possible.
Lack of Technology and Resources
At the same time, the seriousness of the incident cannot be undermined, as the case appears to be complex due to the lack of evidence and clues, as well as the lack of assistance provided to help with the investigation. Technology resources and access to an expert team of child rescue agents are also said to be wanting in the area.
Investing in Youth Education
Experts on the topic suggest preventative measures are necessary to avoid such events in the future, including investing in youth education and providing strict law enforcement to safeguard community members who are at risk. Issues of safety, kidnapping and missing children should be addressed in local schools, making sure that not only their parents but also the children are aware of the possible issues that can surface in their everyday life within the city.
Oversight from Civil Society
The community’s support in a tragedy like this, to ensure the safety and security of all, is paramount, and in the same way that the police has done their job in the case of the missing kids in Mississippi, civil society should take an active role in overseeing their local gang-related activities, if any. This would help to remain vigilant and alert ensuring the kids’ safety in future scenarios.
Developing a Plan to Fight Crime
It is of great importance to continue looking for answers to the kids in Mississippi, however, there should also be multiple and elaborated plans to reduce the number of atrocities that are caused by gangs and criminal activities. That involves pinpointing the consequences and effects of crime, improving police surveillance in areas were these activities can occur, and educating people in the area.
Involving local authorities to develop a comprehensive plan to keep crime in check will be beneficial, along with the right services and help available for people impacted by crime.
Support Through the New Laws
The government should be able to provide the appropriate amount of funding for security resources, making use of a more efficient 911 service, and accommodating the free movement of resources and people within the city.
To start, laws should be passed to reduce the crime rate in general, as well as to provide support for police officers that are granted a certain amount of power in their fight against crime. Strengthening civil authority within their communities, and keeping the tone of discussion relevant to the matter can help to keep citizens informed and the state safe.
High Alert for the Local Community
Fire departments, ambulance services and local resources should be kept on high alert to quickly respond to any dangerous situations. Communities should also be informed of any kidnappings or missing relationships, both to keep an open dialogue and bring offenders to justice.
Public rallies should also be initiated to make people aware of how to protect themselves against kidnappings, and provide contact information for local authorities in cases of emergencies. Battling the crime rate in Mississippi is essential to keep its people safe and can help to reduce the worries of its local citizens.
Bringing a Sense of Hope
In the aftermath of the tragedy, local administrations, family and friends of the missing need to come together and develop a sense of hope and courage, never losing their original faith. Involving the voluntary sector, mediating the community and providing help; financially and emotionally, are of the utmost importance.
Spreading inspirational and courageous messages among the local community, along with data and related statistics can help to keep courage alive and provide resources to families in need. Educating people and children on what to do in an emergency, along with seminars and classes can help to increase their survival level, and publicising any successful reunifications stories can bring a sense of hope during the difficult times.
Advancing in Prevention and Education
It is of great importance to make sure that no person should be in such a vulnerable situation, and thus, preventive measures and campaigns should be implemented, advocating for the safety of local citizens as well as informing and building awareness about these types of occurrences.
Introducing micro-education for young children about their personal security, like never going anywhere with a stranger, and being aware of their environment and the risk factors in it can help to increase their security. Providing a safe way for families to call the police or parents in case of such a situation can be effective in the end.
Resolution Through Dialogue and Debate
It is good to see that the escalating tension in Mississippi is now starting to settle down, as the public continues to keep their trust in the government to bring justice, and establish good and clear law enforcement. On the other hand, dialogue and debate is also important as it allows us to express our worries and work on ways to tackle them in a peaceful manner.
The events that took place in Mississippi are a sad reminder of how important it is to be aware of the issue and tackle it proactively. While the media is currently devoting its attention to this issue, it is of paramount importance that national awareness of such matters does not decrease with time. There is nothing more important than a safe nation and a safe home for all its citizens.
