The Silver Alert system, activated when a senior or person with a cognitive disability goes missing, is no more. The Arizona Department of Public Safety has launched a new system called the SAFE Alert program.
The goal is to expand the criteria under which an alert can be issued and improve the state’s ability to quickly locate a person.
"Under this new system, ... enforcement agencies are prohibited from delaying or denying alerts when the criteria are met, and I required to conduct by annual training on the alerts protocol," said Bart Graves with DPS.
The system will send out real-time information when someone goes missing under qualifying conditions, like unexplained circumstances or if it’s believed that person is in danger due to their health, age or disability.
SAFE Alert criteria
A SAFE Alert will be issued when a law enforcement agency confirms the following:
1. The missing person is:
- 65 years of age or older, or
- Suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, or
- Has been diagnosed with a developmental disability (A.R.S. § 36-551.20), or
- Has been diagnosed with a cognitive disability (A.R.S. § 36-551.15)
2. The investigating agency has exhausted all local resources, including:
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) entry
- Bulletins, flyers, BOLOs/APBs
- Checks of alternate residences, hospitals, jails
- Use of cell phone and in-vehicle location systems
- Contacting family, friends, or social workers
3. The person went missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances.
4. The person is believed to be in danger due to age, health, disability, environmental conditions or other risk factors.
5. There is sufficient information available that, if shared publicly, may assist in their safe recovery.
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