Alert Systems

The Maryland Department of State Police uses several types of alerts to help protect the public and locate missing people. These alerts are used for serious situations, such as child abductions or endangered individuals, and are shared quickly with the public.

Alerts may be sent in different ways, including phone alerts, text messages, emails, social media posts, and highway message signs. State and local law enforcement work together to share this information as fast as possible.

SIgn up for alerts

Below is a list of alert types used in Maryland and what they mean.

AMBER Alert

When a child is reported missing, police must first determine if the case meets the criteria for an AMBER Alert. An alert is activated only when:

• Police confirm a child under 18 has been abducted
• The child is believed to be in danger of serious harm or death
• There is enough information about the child, suspect, or vehicle to help locate them.
• The child is believed to still be within the area
• The child’s information is entered into the National Crime Center (NCIC).

What happens next

1. The local police contact the MDSP Headquarters Duty Office at 410-486-3101 to request activation.
2. The Child Recovery Unit reviews the details and issues the alert.
3. Alert information is shared through:
   • The Emergency Alert System
   • News broadcasters and social media
   • State highway signs
   • Law enforcement networks
4. The public is asked to be aware and call 911 right away with any sightings. 

Only law enforcement can request an AMBER Alert through the MDSP.

If your child is missing

• Act immediately
• Search your home or area thoroughly
• Immediately call 911 with your child's name, age, height, weight, clothing description, and any other unique identifiers.
• If your child disappears in a store - notify the manager or security office then immediately call 911.
• Ask the police to enter your child into the NCIC Missing Person File.
• Call the Maryland Center for Missing Children (MCMC) 800-637-5437 for help.

Silver Alerts

The Maryland Silver Alert program, created in 2009, usually for seniors or the elderly, helps law enforcement and the public locate missing adults with cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer's and their disappearance poses a credible threat to the health and safety of the individual.

Steps to take

1. Call friends, neighbors, and relatives to check if they’ve seen the person.
2. Call 911 to file a missing person report. Be sure to give their name, age, height, weight, clothing description, and any other unique identifiers.
3. Determine if they took any possessions or had access to money.
4. Do not touch their computer.

MDSP created a multi-tier designation for reporting alerts involving missing persons suffering cognitive impairment regardless of age. 

• Tier 1: Missing person is likely traveling in a vehicle.
• Tier 2: Missing person is likely traveling on foot.

Only law enforcement can request a Silver Alert through the MDSP.

Purple Alert

The MDSP Purple Alert, started in 2024,  is a system to find missing adults aged 18 to 60 with cognitive, intellectual, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, or hearing impairments who are endangered and don't fit Amber or Silver Alert criteria. The alert also covers people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or may also have visual impairments. 

Steps to take

1. Call friends, neighbors, and relatives to check if they’ve seen the person.
2. Call 911 to file a missing person report.  Be sure to give their name, age, height, weight, clothing description, and any other unique identifiers.
3. Determine if they took any possessions or had access to money.
4. Do not touch their computer. 

Resources

Amber Alerts

Maryland Center for Missing Children

Guidelines for Issuing AMBER Alerts