For Immediate Release
July 18, 2023
 
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, 255 Purple Alerts have been issued, and 250 individuals recovered.
 
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said, “Largely because of the public’s participation, the Purple Alert is a proven resource helping law enforcement safely locate missing individuals. Our Purple Alert program is a model for other states to adopt.”
 
Senator Lori Berman said, “We fought hard to honor the life of Joshua Marshall, a young man who wandered and tragically drowned in a retention pond. Josh may have been saved had the Purple Alert existed at that time. Passing this law two years ago was a giant step forward in improving public safety and disability rights in Florida, and I am confident it has already, and will continue to, save lives.”
 
Representative Joe Casello said, “It gives me great pride whenever I see a Purple Alert come up on my phone or on the highway to know that I played a part in making sure that these alerts are going out and helping people that were falling through the cracks. As a former first responder, I understand how important it is to make sure as many people as possible have the right information to bring someone home safe. Over 250 alerts later, we see the progress that has been made.”
 
FDLE’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) launched the Florida Purple Alert last July. The 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.
 
When 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 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 Florida Purple Alerts today through email or text messages at http://www.missingchildrenalert.com/.
 
Learn more about Purple Alerts at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/PurpleAlerts/Purple-Alert-Plan.aspx.
 
For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Public Information Office
(850) 410-7001