On the upcoming Friday, Arizona is set to launch a new system for locating missing vulnerable individuals, phasing out the old Silver Alert system in favor of the newly minted SAFE Alert program, as per a recent announcement from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The new program broadens the scope and refines the capabilities of the state in swiftly finding and ensuring the safe return of those who have gone missing – particularly seniors and those with cognitive or developmental disabilities.
The SAFE Alert, unlike its predecessor, mandates that law enforcement agencies cannot hold off or refuse to issue an alert when its criteria are met, coupled with the requirement that they undergo biannual training on how to deploy the alert system effectively. The latter part is of particular significance as it aims to keep the protocol knowledge current and effective in application. The SAFE Alert's eligibility spectrum is delineated in detail under A.R.S. § 41-1728: conditions ranging from being aged 65 or older to having a developmental or cognitive disability make a person eligible for a SAFE Alert upon their disappearance, assuming all local resources like the National Crime Information Center and initial checks have been exhausted and there's constructive information that would aid in their recovery shared with the public.
For distribution, the AZDPS will employ a variety of communication channels, including the Emergency Alert System, highway message boards, APBs to law enforcement, its dedicated alerts website, a mobile app, as well as through mainstream social media platforms, text, and email notifications. These tools ensure a wide-reaching broadcast when someone meets the SAFE Alert criteria and dispenses the vital information that could help in locating and safely returning the missing individual.
In addition to the launch, there will be a media event on the same day, hosted at the AZDPS Headquarters, where Kelsey Commisso, the AZDPS Alert Coordinator, will be available to answer questions, and attendees are asked to RSVP via email, according to AZDPS's official announcement. For further information or inquiries, the AZDPS has provided contact information through their email, with more details and updates expected to be available via their official communication channels.
