State of California Missing Person Alerts Program
The alerts program highlights a strategic partnership between law enforcement, the community, traditional and social media, and other partners to effectively provide the public with actionable information relating to a missing person and affect a quick, safe recovery. California has six recognized alerts: AMBER Alert, Blue Alert, Silver Alert, Feather Alert, Yellow Alert, and Endangered Missing Advisory (Ashanti Act Compliant). The CHP maintains a list and information for all active alerts in California. This can be found on Twitter at @CHPAlerts or by clicking on the link https:chp.click/alert.
State Coordinator
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Emergency Notification and Tactical Alert Center (ENTAC) is the designated state coordinator for missing person alerts throughout California. ENTAC is staffed 24 hours a day by uniformed CHP personnel and is located at the CHP Headquarters in Sacramento, CA. The CHP is responsible for the activation of all alerts on behalf of investigating agencies in California’s municipalities, counties, and tribal communities. The investigating agency contacts the CHP and the details concerning the incident and the activation criteria are reviewed together. Investigating agencies are encouraged to contact the State Coordinator to receive free California POST certified training regarding all missing person alerts and available tools and resources.
Together With Our Community We Are Leading the Nation
The CHP is a recognized national leader with Missing Person Alerts. In 2019, the CHP was the first agency to successfully utilize hyperlinks in Wireless Emergency Alerts for missing persons. This revolutionized the process and for the first time since alerting began, our communities were finally provided a path to receive actionable information regarding the emergency message they had just received. The response from our communities has literally saved lives. We have many documented cases of members of our community receiving the alert, acting on the information, and safely recovering the victim. Statistics are important, but the real story is with each name, face, and family we assist. To read success stories Click Here.
Regional Activations
The CHP recognizes the impact emergency alerts can have on the community, both positive and negative. While alerts are very effective, there is a need to control their use to not become so common that they lose their power. The CHP pioneered the process to activate alerts based on the investigation instead of a blanket statewide alert, which was the national standard. This allows the CHP to activate multiple alerts simultaneously across the state only involving those who live in an area directly related to the incident.
Media Requests
All media inquiries regarding a specific case or investigation associated with an alert will be forwarded to the appropriate agency. General requests for information regarding alert programs, statistics, policies, laws, and alert tools should be directed to the CHP’s Community Outreach and Media Relations through a local CHP Area office or by calling (916) 843-3210.
Out of State Requests
All out-of-state requests for any of California’s alerts shall to be made through the CHP. Requesting parties should coordinate with their respective state coordinator prior to contacting the CHP. Investigative information must show a nexus to California.
