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

Spectrum Alert Criteria

Based on the need for a standardized system to aid in the search for missing children with autism spectrum disorder, Florida’s Spectrum Alert was created. The alert is intended to quickly mobilize the community to assist in locating and ensuring the safe recovery of missing children with autism spectrum disorder.

Similar to an Enhanced Missing Child Alert, an Enhanced Spectrum Alert may be issued if there is an indication that the missing child with autism is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury. 

If an Enhanced Spectrum 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.

Spectrum Alert Criteria

To activate a Spectrum Alert, the following five (5) criteria must be met:

1. The child must be under 18 years of age.
2. The law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must reasonably believe that the child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
3. The law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must have a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that the child is in danger of death or serious bodily injury.
4. There must be a detailed description and/or a photograph of the child to broadcast to the public.
5. The law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must recommend activation.

Enhanced Spectrum Alert Criteria

To activate an Enhanced Spectrum Alert, the following five (5) criteria must be met:

1. The child must be under 18 years of age.
2. The law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must reasonably believe that the child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
3. The law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must have a well-founded belief, based on an active investigation, that the child is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury.
4. There must be a detailed description and/or a photograph of the child to broadcast to the public.
5. The 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 Spectrum 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