Governor Patrick Morrisey recently announced the launch of the state’s new Purple Alert system through the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and State Police. Governor Morrisey invites media outlets and the general public to participate in the new alert system designed to help locate missing individuals with cognitive impairments more efficiently.

“Purple Alerts empower local law enforcement to respond quickly when individuals with cognitive impairments go missing,” said Morrisey. “This new alert system will strengthen community safety through clear coordination and swift action.”

“This initiative is a critical step toward protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Doug Buffington, Acting Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security. “With the launch of the new program, we invite members of the media and all West Virginians to participate in sharing these alerts and helping ensure safe return of missing persons.”

A Purple Alert is activated by the State Police when there is a missing person report for a person with a cognitive impairment and there is a belief that the person is in danger, that the person’s location is unknown and that the person is unable to return home on their own. Once a Purple Alert is activated, the West Virginia State Police will issue a press release with a detailed description of the missing person and the circumstances. Alerts may also be shared via social media and media outlets.

The Purple Alert Program will be in addition to the state’s other alert programs, such as the Amber Alerts, which are utilized to notify the public about missing and abducted children who are believed to be in imminent danger. For more information, contact the West Virginia State Police at 304-746-2100 or online at www.wvsp.gov.