News Summary
The Arizona Department of Public Safety has introduced the SAFE Alert, enhancing the alert system for locating missing vulnerable individuals. Officially launched on September 26, 2025, the new system focuses on seniors aged 65 and older and individuals with cognitive or developmental disabilities. This replaces the Silver Alert, maintaining a high success rate in recovery. The SAFE Alert aims to expedite public notifications and improve response times through the Emergency Alert System and digital billboards. Recent successful recoveries highlight the system’s effectiveness in safeguarding the state’s vulnerable population.
Phoenix, Arizona – The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) has launched a new alert system titled the SAFE Alert, aimed at improving the response time for locating missing vulnerable individuals. Officially introduced on September 26, 2025, the SAFE Alert replaces the previously operational Silver Alert system, which has been credited with a 98% success rate in locating missing persons, typically within an average of 18 hours.
The primary focus of the SAFE Alert is on vulnerable individuals, particularly seniors aged 65 and older, as well as those diagnosed with cognitive or developmental disabilities. This system represents a significant step forward in enhancing the notification process for these groups, ensuring public safety and quick action in critical situations.
Details regarding missing individuals identified under the SAFE Alert will be disseminated via the state’s Emergency Alert System, and information will also be displayed on digital billboards managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation, maximizing public outreach and awareness.
Issuance Criteria for SAFE Alerts
A SAFE Alert will be issued when specific criteria established by law enforcement are met. These criteria include:
- The missing person must be 65 years or older, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or possess a developmental or cognitive disability.
- All local resources must have been exhausted in their search, which includes checks of hospitals, residences, and entries in the National Crime Information Center.
- The circumstances surrounding the individual’s disappearance must be suspicious or unexplained, with an assessment that the individual may be in danger.
- Sufficient information must be available to aid in their recovery when shared with the public.
Recent Cases and Impacts
In a demonstration of the system’s effectiveness, a SAFE Alert was recently issued for Ernest Friday, an 82-year-old man who went missing on a Tuesday morning. The alert facilitated a swift and successful recovery, as he was located the following day.
Complementary Alert Systems
Additionally, earlier in 2025, Arizona also introduced the Turquoise Alert program, which focuses on locating individuals under 65 years of age who go missing under mysterious circumstances. This program aims to provide an inclusive approach to public safety without age or health limitations, expanding the state’s responsiveness to different scenarios of missing persons.
Addressing Public Safety Concerns
The establishment of both the SAFE Alert and Turquoise Alert programs responds to the pressing need for improved action against missing persons cases in Arizona. These initiatives are particularly essential, considering the alarming rates of missing Indigenous individuals in the state. The new alert systems align with broader public safety efforts to enhance community awareness and support in locating individuals who may be in distress.
Conclusion
The Arizona Department of Public Safety’s launch of the SAFE Alert program is poised to enhance efforts to protect some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens. By collaborating with various agencies and utilizing advanced technology, Arizona is taking significant strides toward ensuring that missing individuals are returned home safely and swiftly.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Student Struck by Vehicle Near Panther Creek High School
Wind Advisory Issued for Imperial County with Gusts Up to 50 MPH
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Record Rainfall in Phoenix
Partial Blockage on Interstate 10 in Phoenix Following Rollover Crash
Phoenix Faces Flooding Threat Amid Tropical Storm Priscilla
Phoenix Breaks Daily Rainfall Record Amid Flood Warnings
Joseph Badger School District Cancels Classes Due to Heating Issues
Tropical Storm Priscilla’s Remnants Raise Flash Flood Risks
Phoenix Provides Free Sand for Storm Preparation
Heavy Storms Expected to Impact Phoenix and Arizona
Additional Resources
- KTAR News: SAFE Alert for Ernest Friday
- Google Search: SAFE Alert Arizona
- AZ Central: End of Silver Alerts in Arizona
- Google Scholar: Missing Persons Alert Systems
- KTAR News: SAFE Alert for Missing Scottsdale Man
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alert Systems
- Arizona Mirror: Turquoise Alert for Indigenous People
- Google News: Arizona Missing Persons
- Silver Belt: Arizona Replaces Silver Alert with SAFE Alert
- Wikipedia: General Search
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
