Who we are ...

U-SEARCH exists to:

•  Assist in the creation of an operational search center •  Establish cooperative relationships among the Family of the Victim; Law Enforcement, Media, Victim Advocate Groups and the Community,•  educate the community to help prevent and respond to abductions •  and pursue the development and implementation of technology assisting in locating missing persons.

Where we came from...

U-SEARCH was created from the remnants of the Elizabeth Smart Search Center and several volunteers involved in that search. In the early morning hours of June 5th, 2002, Elizabeth was abducted from her home as her family slept. She was recovered 9 months later in the company of her alleged abductors. The most important asset aiding in the rescue of Elizabeth was the phenomenal national attention her abduction generated. Through resources such as media and volunteer efforts, thousands of people were able to assist in her search; from the volunteers who trekked countless miles; to those who phoned in tips; to those who simply prayed for her safe return.   The culmination of these efforts are what precipitated the final phone call that led police to her location. It is the desire of everyone involved with U-SEARCH that every person who has been abducted have access to these same resources, regardless of age, national origin, or financial means.   

U-SEARCH is a non-profit organization - our service to the community is voluntary.  

Our plans for the community…

U-SEARCH has some very exciting plans geared toward helping to build a safer community in three very unique ways:

RESPONSE:

U-SEARCH will be assisting in the creation of an operational search center in the event of an abduction within our community. What this means to the community, is the timely response of trained individuals who will establish a mobile operational search center setup within 3 hours of notification of this need.. We will have the capability of gathering a vast array of resources to aid in searches from our extensive database of volunteers. These will include, but are not limited to aircraft, ATVs, hikers, dogs, and a trained search center staff to help in the extraction of information from the searches, enabling us to funnel information directly back to law enforcement. Another very important part of U-SEARCH volunteers are those people versed in media relations and victim advocacy, thus enabling our organization to be able to assist the family of the victim where needed, and to be able to provide necessary resources to them during their time of need.

PREVENTION EDUCATION:

U-SEARCH will strive to raise awareness throughout Utah about necessary steps families can take to help keep their children safe from would be abductors. Our primary goal is to encourage families to take advantage of the many existing prevention and education programs offered by law enforcement and non-profit organizations throughout the state, and will help in facilitating these opportunities.

PREPARATION:

U-SEARCH will continue to research and pursue the development and implementation of technology to assist in the location of missing persons.