FDLE celebrates Florida Purple Alert anniversary

Press release from Florida Department of Law Enforcement

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is celebrating the anniversary of the Florida Purple Alert, which launched July 1, 2022. Since its inception, 447 Purple Alerts have been issued, and 438 individuals recovered.

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said, “Hundreds of lives have been saved in the Florida Purple Alert’s two-year history. This alert has proven to be a critical tool to help keep our disabled citizens safe and the public has been an integral partner in the Florida Purple Alert’s success.”

Senator Lori Berman said, “Two years ago, Florida took a significant step in protecting its vulnerable residents with the implementation of the Purple Alert. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the disabled community. I am so grateful for law enforcement’s progress and vigilance in keeping our loved ones safe.”

Representative Joe Casello said, “Honored to have been a part of making the Purple Alert law, we celebrate its two-year anniversary and the critical protection it provides to our vulnerable citizens. This milestone reaffirms our commitment to community safety and support.”

The Florida Purple Alert is used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from mental, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities and who do not meet the criteria for a statewide Silver Alert. Purple Alerts engage the public in the search for the missing person and provide a standardized and coordinated community response.

FDLE’s Missing Endangered Person’s Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) launched the state Purple Alert program in July 2022. When state Purple Alerts are issued, the information is distributed to citizens who have signed up to receive the alerts and displayed on dynamic highway message signs when applicable. The state alerts are also posted on the FDLE public website.

Citizens play an important role in saving lives. When receiving a Purple Alert, they should make note of the alert and call 911 if they have information relating to the whereabouts of the missing person.

Sign up to receive state Purple Alerts today through email or text messages at http://www.missingchildrenalert.com/ .

Learn more about state Purple Alerts at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/PurpleAlerts/Purple-Alert-Plan.aspx .

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