New Purple Alert system activated for first time in Smithfield missing teen case

CRANSTON, R.I. (WJAR) — TO new alert system in Rhode Islanddesigned to inform the general public when adults with disabilities are reported missing, went stay earlier this yr.

This week marks one yr because the case that impressed the brand new system: a 45-year-old autistic lady who disappeared in Cranston and was found days later curled up in the again of a automobile.

Once an individual is confirmed missing, native police work with state police to problem a Purple Alert, which seems on freeway message boards, tv and radio broadcasts, and thru information and social media.

Cranston Police Maj. Todd Patalano, who helped develop the laws, stated the aim is to make sure the general public is conscious of a missing particular person.

“We can put out a broadcast, and this person has a very high likelihood of being found expeditiously,” he stated. “When you see a Purple Alert, an Amber Alert, a Silver Alert, we want people to pay attention and start looking.”

The system was used for the first time on March 16 in Smithfield when a 16-year-old boy was reported missing.

Police worked with Rhode Island Emergency Management and state police to issue an alert.

A Rhode Island Energy employee spotted the boy on Douglas Pike and flagged down officers searching nearby.

Police said it’s unclear whether the Purple Alert directly led to the tip, but public awareness played a key role.

Advocates say not all parts of the alert system may have been fully utilized in that case, raising questions about implementation. But officials say that’s expected with any new system.

“It does not appear that all components of the PURPLE alert notification system were fully utilized in this situation, particularly the broad public notification aspect,” the Ocean State Center For Independent Living said in a statement to NBC 10 News. It added it “raises important questions about implementation.”

“As with any case, there’s always going to be kinks,” Patalano stated, including he is “assured” alerts will likely be issued shortly when wanted.