Volunteers Implement Technology To Search For Missing Teen
SANTA CLARA (CBS13) - Search volunteer Cecilia Ponzini is not just taking a picture of a Sierra LaMar missing poster. She's using her cell phone's QR app to zero in on a square barcode, printed at the bottom of the poster for quick internet access to information on the case.
"Everybody has a cell phone. It's all over the internet. There isn't a place you can't go where you can't link to it," said Ponzini.
QR stands for quick response and all of LaMar's latest posters now carry the codes.
Here's how it works: The app uses your cell phone's onboard camera to act as a scanner. Once it's scanned and saved, you just click on it and that launches your phone's web browser. Seconds later a website optimized for mobile devices pops up with LaMar's picture, description, phone numbers and other links that are all saved on your phone.
It's a far cry from just having photos of missing kids on milk cartons from decades ago.
"We've come a long ways. I remember the milk cartons. This is great because not everyone drinks milk anymore. We need to get this out there everywhere," said Ponzini.
Although the main search headquarters has shut down until the weekend a few teams of volunteers are still going out to look for LaMar, who's been missing since March 16.
"We'll continue to search until she's found," said volunteer Gabriel Gonzales.
Santa Clara county sheriff deputies and investigators concentrated their search efforts south of Morgan Hill in fields around San Martin and Gilroy.
After almost three weeks, they are not losing hope and volunteers plan to wear something pink everyday until LaMar is found.
"The building is empty right now, but Saturday there will be people here and we shall move on," said Gonzales.
