Code ADAM
Step 6: Code Adam Canceled
- Management must report the incident to loss prevention, even if the child was temporarily wandering the store.
- After the child has been found, management must announce “Code Adam Canceled.”
- That will notify employees that the child has been located.
Step 5: Stranger
- If the child is found accompanied by someone other than the parent.
- Contact the police and attempt to identify the person with the child.
- Use reasonable efforts to delay the departure of the adult.
** NOTE: Do Not Place Yourself, Staff, or anyone else around you at risk. **
History
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was founded by John Walsh, Ernie Allen, and Ronald Reagan.
Step 4: If the child is found and
appears to be unharmed,
reunite the child with the parent.
Step 3: Call 911
- If the child is not found within 10 minutes, contact the police immediately.
- Authorities would rather receive a second call, stating the child has been found, rather than an initial call after it’s to late.
Why is Adam Walsh important?
Step 1:
Obtain a detailed description of the missing child.
- Name, age, height, weight, hair, and eye color.
- Child’s clothing with shoe style and clothing.
** NOTE: THE CHILDS CLOTHES MAY BE CHANGED, BUT AN ABDUCTOR USUALLY DOESN’T CHANGE OR REMOVE THE SHOES. **
Step 2: Announce “Code Adam”
- Immediately after “Code Adam” is initiated, all employees should begin searching for the missing child.
- Employees should seek help from customers with children resembling the description of the missing child.
- Employees should ask the child’s name, if the adult is the parent, ensure the child’s safety.
Bill Burns, a district manager at Wal-Mart in Crawford, Indiana developed the 6-steps which is named Adam, after the son of John Walsh.
Why is Adam Walsh important?
What is the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children?