Purple Alert Activation Steps
The Florida Purple Alert is used to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from a mental or cognitive disability that is not Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia-related disorder; an intellectual disability or a developmental disability; a brain injury; other physical, mental or emotional disabilities that are not related to substance abuse; or a combination of any of these and whose disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or seriously bodily harm. Purple Alerts engage the public in the search for the missing person and provide a standardized and coordinated community response.
***Effective July 1, 2024, HB 397 will amend Purple Alerts by implementing a Local Purple Alert and a State Purple Alert***
Local Purple Alert Criteria Recommendations
Although each agency may have their own criteria for activation of a Local Purple Alert for those individuals who are missing on foot or in an unidentified vehicle, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) recommends that agencies use the below criteria as a guideline when issuing a Local Purple Alert:
- The person is 18 years of age or older and does not qualify for a Silver Alert.
- Has your investigation determined the missing person:
- Has any combination of the following: an intellectual or developmental disability, brain injury; or another physical, mental, or emotional disability that is not related to substance abuse -and-
- Does not have Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia related disorder?
- Has your law enforcement agency’s investigation concluded that the disappearance 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?
- Is there a detailed description of the missing person suitable for distribution?
- Has your agency entered the missing person into the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)?
Local Purple Alert Activation Steps Recommendations
- The local law enforcement agency must enter the missing person into FCIC/NCIC.
- The local law enforcement agency must contact media outlets in the affected area or surrounding jurisdictions.
- The local law enforcement agency must inform all on-duty law enforcement officers of the missing adult report; and
- Communicate the report to any other law enforcement agency in the county of jurisdiction.
- Once the above steps have been completed, the local law enforcement agency may request an analytical assistance case opening by calling the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) at 1-888-356-4774.
State Purple Alert (missing in a vehicle)
For persons who meet Purple Alert criteria and go missing in a vehicle with an identified tag, a State Purple Alert may be issued. In these cases, FDLE’s MEPIC can assist with the illumination of dynamic message signs in your area. State Purple Alerts can only be issued for cases meeting the criteria below.
State Purple Alert Criteria
- The person is 18 years of age or older and does not qualify for a Silver Alert.
- Has your investigation determined the missing person:
- Has any combination of the following: an intellectual or developmental disability, brain injury; or another physical, mental, or emotional disability that is not related to substance abuse -and-
- Does not have Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia related disorder?
- Has your law enforcement agency’s investigation concluded that the disappearance 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?
- Is there a detailed description of the missing person suitable for distribution?
- Is there a detailed description of the vehicle and verified tag number to display on the Florida Department of Transportation dynamic message signs?
- Has your agency entered the missing person into the Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC)?
- Does the agency recommend activation?
State Purple Alert Activation Steps
- The local law enforcement agency must enter the missing person into FCIC/NCIC.
- The local law enforcement agency must notify media outlets in their area and/or surrounding jurisdictions.
- Once the above steps have been completed, the local law enforcement agency may request a State Purple Alert by calling FDLE’s MEPIC at 1-888-356-4774.
- The FDLE will ensure that the information is broadcast via dynamic highway message signs and via email/text through sign-up by public citizens and other resources.
Note: Only law enforcement agencies can request activation of a Purple Alert. If you would like to report a missing person, please contact your local police department or sheriff’s office first, then contact MEPIC at 1-888-FL MISSING (356-4774).
Law Enforcement Resources
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs (850) 414-2000
- Media Alert 813-282-8612
- A Child is Missing, Inc. 1-888-875-2246
- Florida Department of Highway Safety Motor Vehicles Medical Reporting Form