purple alert

In Florida, a Purple Alert is a specialized alert system designed to assist in the location and safe return of missing adults who have specific disabilities. Here are the key points about the Florida Purple Alert Plan:

Eligibility Criteria

• A Purple Alert is activated for missing adults who have:
  • A mental or cognitive disability that is not Alzheimer's disease or a dementia-related disorder.
  • An intellectual or developmental disability.
  • A brain injury.
  • Other physical, mental, or emotional disabilities not related to substance abuse.
  • A combination of any of these disabilities134.

Threat of Danger

• The disappearance of the individual must pose a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm134.

Activation Process

• The alert can be activated when there is sufficient descriptive information about the missing adult and the circumstances of their disappearance to indicate that the alert is likely to help locate them.
• Local law enforcement agencies are responsible for activating the alert and must develop policies that meet the state's requirements24.

Public Notification

• Information about the missing person is distributed to the public through various channels, including:
  • Dynamic message signs on state highways.
  • Media outlets.
  • Lottery terminals.
  • Email and text notifications for subscribers134.

Coordination

• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), in cooperation with other state agencies such as the Department of Transportation, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and local law enforcement agencies, coordinates the Purple Alert system24.

Privacy and Dignity

• The system is designed to safeguard the privacy rights, dignity, and independence of the missing adults by preventing the unnecessary dissemination of sensitive health and diagnostic information2.

Duration

• The alert remains active until the missing person is found. The public is urged to call 911 if they have any information about the missing person's whereabouts14.

By engaging the public and providing a standardized and coordinated community response, the Purple Alert system aims to increase the chances of safely locating and returning missing adults with specific disabilities.