For Immediate Release
October 6, 2023
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) uses Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) in emergency situations when a child goes missing and is in imminent danger of death or serious injury.
 
In August, a local agency requested FDLE issue a Missing Child Alert for a teenager with autism.  The teen, who is attracted to water, was seen riding his bike.
 
A WEA was issued in a 5-mile radius from where the child was last seen.  Within minutes of the alert being sent to cell phones, the sheriff’s office received several tips from citizens who saw it on their phones.  The child was found safely in under 30 minutes.
 
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said, “There is no doubt that these cell phone alerts save lives.  If you receive a cell phone alert, please take the time to click on the link for more information. If you aren’t receiving these alerts, make sure the alerts are enabled on your device or contact your cell phone provider for more information.”
 
Enable WEA on your cell phone in your device settings. 
 
Sign up to receive all AMBER and Missing Child Alerts at missingchildrenalert.com and follow FDLE on Facebook and X to see alerts.
 
For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001