The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has announced the launch of “Spectrum Alerts,” a new alert system designed to locate and recover missing children with autism spectrum disorder. “We have statistics that’s specifically in our training that nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorder will attempt to wander or run away at some point, often placing them in life-threatening situations,” the agency said. Similar to an Amber or Silver Alert, Spectrum Alerts are specifically designed to help locate missing children with autism.“We have produced training statewide for every law enforcement officer to not only know how to establish a spectrum alert if one were to occur in their community, but how to recognize the signs if they may be dealing with someone with autism spectrum disorder,” Melissa Bujeda, director of missing persons and offender enforcement for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, said.The system includes two types of alerts: standard and enhanced Spectrum Alerts. The criteria are largely the same, like the child must be under 18 years old, and there must be a detailed description and/or photograph of the child broadcast to the public. The goal is to warn people to be on the lookout for these children in their communities and neighborhoods in an emergency.Individuals can sign up to receive all missing and endangered alerts through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website.>> WESH 2’s sister station, WPBF 25 News, contributed to this reporting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has announced the launch of “Spectrum Alerts,” a new alert system designed to locate and recover missing children with autism spectrum disorder.
“We have statistics that’s specifically in our training that nearly half of children with autism spectrum disorder will attempt to wander or run away at some point, often placing them in life-threatening situations,” the agency said.
Similar to an Amber or Silver Alert, Spectrum Alerts are specifically designed to help locate missing children with autism.
“We have produced training statewide for every law enforcement officer to not only know how to establish a spectrum alert if one were to occur in their community, but how to recognize the signs if they may be dealing with someone with autism spectrum disorder,” Melissa Bujeda, director of missing persons and offender enforcement for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, said.
The system includes two types of alerts: standard and enhanced Spectrum Alerts.
The criteria are largely the same, like the child must be under 18 years old, and there must be a detailed description and/or photograph of the child broadcast to the public.
The goal is to warn people to be on the lookout for these children in their communities and neighborhoods in an emergency.
Individuals can sign up to receive all missing and endangered alerts through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website.
>> WESH 2’s sister station, WPBF 25 News, contributed to this reporting.