A new alert went into effect Friday in Florida that aims to find missing people who may be suffering from mental or cognitive disorders.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said the new purple alert will be sent to those who do not meet the state’s silver alert criteria. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the law into law on July 1, 2021, exactly one year ago.
Here are the criteria for the purple alert:
The person is 18 years old or older and not eligible for Silver Alert at the state or local level.
The person has an intellectual or developmental disability, brain injury, or other physical, mental, or emotional disability not related to substance abuse, and the person does not have Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related disorder.
The disappearance poses a real threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm to the missing person, and they can only be returned to safety through the intervention of law enforcement.
A detailed description of the missing person is available and suitable for distribution.
Information about the missing person has been entered into the Florida Criminal Information Center (FCIC).
Jurisdictional law enforcement is recommending activation.
Information about the missing person will also be displayed on traffic signs.