The St. Augustine Police Department will utilize the Florida Purple system Alert F.S. 937.0205 which was enacted to assist in the location of missing adults suffering from a mental, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
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A. Purple Alert Activation Criteria
1. The person is 18 years of age and does not qualify for a Silver Alert.
2. The investigation has determined the missing person:
a. Has any combination of the following:
i. An intellectual or developmental disability,
ii. Brain injury, or
iii. Another physical, mental, or emotional disability that is not related to
substance abuse, and
iv. Does not have Alzheimer’s disease or a dementia related disorder.
b. The disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily,
harm to the missing person and they can only be returned to safety through the
law enforcement intervention.
c. There is a detailed description of the missing person suitable for distribution.
d. The missing person has been entered into the Florida Crime Information Center
(FCIC).
e. After review, a supervisor recommends activation.
B. Purple Alert Activation Steps
1. For a missing adult on foot or in an unidentified vehicle, local law enforcement agencies shall develop their own policies for activation of a local Purple Alert that meets the requirements set forth in s. 937.021 and shall:
a. Contact media outlets in the affected area or surrounding jurisdictions,
b. Inform all on-duty law enforcement officers of the missing adult report; and
c. Communicate the report to any other law enforcement agency in the county of jurisdiction.
2. A state Purple Alert may be requested from the Department of Law Enforcement’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse when the investigation indicates that there is a motor vehicle with an identified license plate or other vehicle information. The clearinghouse shall:
a. Coordinate with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for the activation of dynamic message signs on state highways and the immediate distribution of critical information to the public regarding the missing adult in accordance with the alert,
b. Coordinate with the Department of the Lottery to have the state Purple Alert broadcast on lottery terminals, including, but not limited to, lottery terminals in gas stations, convenience stores, and supermarkets; and
c. Notify subscribers.
3. If a local or state Purple Alert is determined to be necessary and appropriate, the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction may also request that a case be opened with the Department of Law Enforcement’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse.