The state’s Missing and Endangered Persons Alert has been expanded to notify the public if an adult 18 or older has been abducted and is believed to be in danger. The expansion, which went into effect last Friday, was created by the Legislature.
Under the old requirements, a missing persons alert could only be sent out if the missing individual has a mental or physical disability, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, or at risk of bodily harm or death.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor expressed his gratitude toward Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature for the criteria expansion.
“We are constantly analyzing our processes and procedures to improve and better serve the citizens of Alabama,” he said. “Our Fusion Center recognized a need to expand this alert criteria and we are extremely thankful for the support of Governor Ivey and the Legislature, who continuously work with us to enhance the tools and resources we have.”
AFC Director Jay Moseley explained how citizens of Alabama can sign up to receive missing persons alerts.
“In 2022, ALEA launched a new high-speed notification system known as CodeRED to issue alerts to citizens. Citizens can subscribe to receive notifications in the case of missing persons or during emergency situations by texting ‘ALalerts’ to 99411 or enroll online at alea.gov,” he said. “We would also like to thank all citizens and local partners throughout Alabama who assist law enforcement by sharing our missing person alerts and those who remain vigilant for these missing individuals.”
Alabama has four Missing Person Alerts.
- Amber Alert
- Emergency Missing Child Alert
- Missing and Endangered Persons Alert
- Blue Alert
With the exception of the Amber Alert, the other three alerts (Emergency Missing Child, Missing and Endangered Persons, and Blue) are in accordance with Alabama law and the various alerts criteria are set by statute.
The Amber Alert is a nationwide program in which most states, including Alabama, follow the Department of Justice’s recommended guidelines and requirements for the alert.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
