Governor Perdue Signs Executive Order
Forming Georgia's Child Abduction Response Team

ATLANTA (April 29, 2008) – Today Governor Sonny Perdue signed an executive order to form the Child Abduction Response Team (CART).

   "This executive order will ensure a quick, deliberate response for missing and endangered children. The Child Abduction Response Team will guarantee the rapid collaboration of each agency and ensure disciplined recovery efforts," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "The safety and security of all of our children remains a top priority for Georgia."

   The executive order addresses the time sensitive nature of child abduction cases by establishing a pre-planned response coordinated across various state agencies. Through CART, nine state agencies have formed a partnership, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), pulling together resources to aid in the search and rescue effort. Each agency will report to the GBI under supervision of Director Vernon M. Keenan.

   "An immediate and organized response by state and local officials is imperative to the safe recovery of Georgia's children," said GBI Director Vernon Keenan. "The Child Abduction Response Team will provide superior training for all agencies involved with the search of a missing or abducted child."