Jacksonville — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) launches a Florida Purple Alert Plan designed to help locate missing persons, 18 years and older, suffering from mental, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities who don’t meet the criteria for local or statewide Silver Alerts.
Established by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Purple Alerts engage the public in searching for the missing in what is described as a standardized and coordinated community response.
“In all missing persons situations, getting the word out quickly is key to a swift and safe recovery,” said FDLE Acting Commissioner Mark Glass in a recent press release. “Florida’s Purple Alert plan ensures a prompt and comprehensive response while ensuring the privacy and dignity of our disabled citizens.”
Described as filling the gap between an Amber Alert and a Silver Alert, the Purple Alert criteria is used for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, brain injuries, or physical, mental or emotional disabilities not related to substance abuse. Those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related disorder are not included in Purple Alerts.
The criteria also includes any decision made by local law enforcement agency’s that determine if the disappearance of an individual poses a “credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm to the missing person and they can only be returned to safety through law enforcement intervention.”
A detailed description of the missing person suitable for distribution must be included. Information about the missing person will be entered into the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC). The law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must recommend activation.
According to MEPIC, when issued, Purple Alert information will be distributed to those who signed up to receive the alerts and displayed on dynamic highway message signs when applicable. The alerts will also be posted on the FDLE public website. When receiving a Purple Alert, those eligible should call 911 with any information relating to the whereabouts of the missing person.
“I am glad to see the Purple Alert finally go into effect after years of advocating for it to become law with Senator Berman,” said Representative Joe Casello in a recent press release. “The Purple Alert wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the tireless advocacy of Beverley Marshall whose son, Joshua, would’ve been alive today if this alert existed. Public safety is, and has always been, a priority and I know that FDLE will implement the Purple Alert to full effect so these individuals are protected.”
“The life of Joshua Marshall was a bright light dimmed way too soon,” said Senator Lori Berman in a recent press release. “Had an alert like this existed at the time, Joshua may still be with us today. But we can’t go back. We can only move forward with the wisdom to do better. Passing the Purple Alert was a giant step forward in improving public safety and disability rights in Florida. I am confident this law will save lives.”
The Florida Chiefs and Sheriffs, Florida Department of Transportation, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Florida legislators worked in conjunction with concerned citizens and organizations to develop Florida’s Purple Alert Plan.
Sign up to receive Florida Purple Alerts today through email or text messages at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/PurpleAlerts/Purple-Alert-Plan.aspx .
FDLE Office of Public Information (850) 410-7001
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