Texas Rep. Eddie Lucio III and State Rep. Sergio Munoz, Jr. formally announced a proposal to create a regional alert system in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties at a press conference on Wednesday in the offices of the Rio Grande Valley Partnershipin Weslaco. Currently, the state has active Amber, Silver, Blue and Endangered Missing Persons Alert Systems.

"It's important to understand that we are not trying to replace the current state alert systems that exist now," said Rep. Lucio in a statement. "Every department we have spoken to has acknowledged a need to create a regional alert system that would help during the crucial, critical hours of a person being reported missing."

There are 17 Regional Alert Systems across the state. They have been extremely successful around the state because local regions are most familiar with local resources that can be used when a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) alert has been activated. The most effective tool to locate a missing person is the ability to use the community as a resource. Public awareness and participation is critical towards the success of any alert system.

"I am very proud to stand beside Rep. Lucio and many of our law enforcement professionals who endorse this program because it has the potential to save lives," said Rep. Munoz. "The system will be tailored to our local communities and administered by local emergency and law enforcement officials."

The proposal to create a regional alert system was prompted by the cases of Harlingen residents David Garcia and former State Rep. Don Lee. Both individuals were reported missing only to be found deceased shortly after their disappearances. Both of these cases did not qualify for any state alert systems. Members of the Garcia and Lee families have been invited to attend the press conference. Steven McCraw, Director of The Texas Department of Public Safety, will also attend the press conference and will provide remarks regarding the regional alert systems.

(Edited from Press Release.)