Verizon Wireless is a perfect example of companies that don’t get that being a responsible company means being one ALL the time. Yes, they a nice little Corporate Responsibility section on their website where they tout their admirable Hopeline program, which provides phones and service to victims of domestic abuse.

But when it comes to find missing people, the company with the “most reliable network” is notoriously unreliable about helping law enforcement. Michelle Lamar over at White Trash Mom details three instances where the police have contacted Verizon for help and were stonewalled. And in one case, actually defended their actions to the grieving parents–with a barrage of lawyers in tow.

All the charitable deeds in the world can’t undo the moral failure of the company in these situations.

If you ask any woman why she has a cell phone, one of her top reasons is going to be “in case of emergency.” Why do they give phones to their children? Again, you’re going to hear “in case of emergency.” There’s a sense of security brokered into every contract.

That’s why wireless companies need to make sure they do everything possible to help when those emergencies arise–especially when the phone carrier can’t help themselves by making a call or giving a location.

Just as they have a plan for natural disasters, Verizon (and probably other wireless providers) needs to get its act together and create a plan to cut through the BS and quickly respond to law enforcement requests during individual emergencies–and then make sure all employees know what it is–so situations like these don’t happen again.