• Types of Alerts
  • AMBER Alert
  • Missing Child Alert
    • Missing Child Alert Criteria
  • Spectrum Alert
  • Purple Alert
  • Silver Alert

Missing Child Alert Criteria

The Missing Child Alert is a media-focused emergency broadcast designed to engage the public in the search for the missing child.

An Enhanced Missing Child Alert may be issued if there is an indication that the missing child is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.

If an Enhanced Missing Child Alert is issued, a wireless emergency alert will be sent out to a defined geographical area, typically in the neighborhood or community where the child was last seen.

Missing Child Alert Criteria

To activate a Missing Child Alert, the following four (4) criteria must be met:

1. The child must be under the age of 18.
2. Law enforcement must have a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that the child is in danger of death or serious bodily injury.
3. There must be a detailed description or photograph of the child to broadcast to the public.
4. The local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must recommend activation.

Enhanced Missing Child Alert Criteria

To activate an Enhanced Missing Child Alert, the following four (4) criteria must be met:

1. The child must be under the age of 18.
2. Law enforcement must have a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that the child is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.
3. There must be a detailed description or photograph of the child to broadcast to the public.
4. The local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must recommend activation.

Activation Process

• The local law enforcement agency will contact the FDLE Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) at 1-888-356-4774.
• The FDLE, working in conjunction with the local law enforcement agency of jurisdiction, will prepare information for public distribution.
• The FDLE will ensure that the information is distributed to the media as well as to the public via text message and email through sign-up and other resources.

Note: Only law enforcement agencies can request activation of a Missing Child 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).

Resources

• Local media outlets
• Local Crime Stoppers
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (Florida Branch 1-561-848-1900)
• A Child is Missing, Inc. 1-888-875-2246