When Change Moves at Evolutionary Speed

By Roderick Pullen

0n 08/05/2026

Cold cases are the core of our work at Find All The Missing Inc. We go after the cases everyone else has walked away from; the files closed for lack of leads, the names quietly dropped from the news cycle, or never made the news, the people who never got the urgency they deserved in the first place. We do not accept "cold" as an eventual answer. We treat it as the starting point “because there are no throw-away people.”

There is a strange comfort people take in saying "things are getting better." Statistically, maybe they are. But to a family living through the disappearance of someone they love, waiting on a case that has not moved in months, years or decades is not progress and does not feel like progress at all. It feels like nothing is happening.

That is the trouble with change that moves at evolutionary speed. Evolution works when species adapt, systems improve, and institutions eventually catch up to the moment. But evolution also does not care how long it takes, and it offers no comfort to anyone living through the gap between "how things are" and "how things should be."

History shows there is often a middle path between waiting quietly and burning it all down. The best examples are in how societies treat their most vulnerable, for example, civil rights protections and labor laws. Changes in how cases get prioritized and resources used rarely happen purely on their own timeline. They happened because someone applied pressure, i.e., marches and lawsuits to obtain public attention and sustained, forceful advocacy that did not wait for the slow process to get around to it. Not revolution in the sense of tearing a system down, but something disruptive enough to turn glacial speed reform into something that is moving.

That is the work in front of any organization built to find people who the system has been slow to look for or never started to look for them. A case does not close itself because enough time passes. It moves because someone refuses to let it go cold, and someone keeps pushing, keeps calling, keeps reminding everyone with the resources and the authority that this case still matters today, not eventually.

And that is the reason that the pressure never runs out, no matter how long a case has been open. To a parent, a child is the most precious thing they will ever have. That does not fade with time, and it doesn’t fade with age. A missing child is still a parent’s child at 5days old, 5 months old, 5 years old, at 25, at 50 years old, that bond doesn’t have an expiration date, and neither does the parent’s need for an answer. That is the urgency an outside observer can lose sight of when a case grows old and cold on paper. For the family, it never grows old. It is still fresh today, it is grief, today, unanswered questions today. It is the reason to keep pushing.

That is why our work cannot move at evolution’s pace. It must move at a pace the family deserves, because they are still waiting, they are still looking, and that is why we feel and say, We exist “because there are no throw-away people.”

Roderick Pullen Roderick Pullen

Creating Safe Environments: Public Safety Initiatives

Learn how local, state, and federal public safety initiatives play a crucial role in creating safe environments for communities. Discover current measures and future opportunities to promote safety for all, and ideally, help to significantly reduce the tragic episodes of people going missing.

Creating safe environments is crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities. Public safety is a collective responsibility that involves various initiatives focused on preventing and responding to emergencies. In this blog post, we will explore four key areas that contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone: educating the public on safety and emergency procedures, establishing stronger communication channels between law enforcement and communities, promoting citizen involvement in crime prevention initiatives, and addressing mental health concerns in relation to public safety.

Community members educating one another on how we can combat the epidemic of missing persons, especially those of color

Educating the Public on Safety andEmergency Procedures.

One of the most effective ways to ensure public safety is by educating the public on safety and emergency procedures. This includes teaching individuals how to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters, active threats, and medical emergencies. By providing this knowledge, people are better equipped to protect themselves and others around them. Public safety organizations, schools, and workplaces can collaborate to provide training and information sessions on these procedures to increase community preparedness.

Building bridges together through open communication

with all stakeholders

Establishing Stronger Communication Channels Between Law Enforcement and Communities

Strong communication between law enforcement and communities is vital in maintaining public safety. By establishing open, transparent, and trusting communication channels, communities can voice their concerns and work together with law enforcement to address safety issues, particularly cases involving missing family and friends. This built and constantly maintained trust between the police and community can lead to better collaboration and understanding. Regular town hall meetings, community forums, and community patrols are some ways to foster stronger communication channels and help to keep us all safe.

Community policing that fosters trust, constant vigilance, and above all, safe neighborhoods for everyone

Promoting Citizen Involvement in Crime Prevention Initiatives

Another critical aspect of creating safe environments is citizen involvement in crime prevention initiatives. Community watch programs and neighborhood watch groups are effective in deterring crime and promoting a sense of safety. These initiatives involve citizens actively looking out for and reporting suspicious activities, creating a united front against crime. Local government and law enforcement can provide support and resources for these programs, encouraging more citizens to get involved.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Public Safety

Maintaining a nonstop commitment to protecting some of our most vulnerable neighbors, friends, and family

Mental health concerns can also significantly impact public safety. It is crucial to address mental health issues within communities as they can contribute to various safety threats, such as domestic violence, substance abuse, and yes, people going missing. By providing resources and support for mental health services, communities can promote early intervention and encourage individuals to seek help. Additionally, law enforcement and emergency response teams can receive training on how to handle mental health crises effectively.

Creating safe environments requires a collaborative effort from individuals, communities, and organizations. Educating the public on safety procedures, fostering communication between law enforcement and communities, promoting citizen involvement in crime prevention initiatives, and addressing mental health concerns are all crucial steps in enhancing public safety. By working together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

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