Detroit has rolled out a new emergency alert system aimed at finding missing children and vulnerable residents faster.
The Emerald Alert, announced Monday by Detroit police Chief Todd A. Bettison and City Council President Mary Sheffield, will notify the public about critical missing persons cases through the city’s Detroit Alerts 365 system.
The program is designed to close gaps in existing alert systems like Amber Alerts, which have strict criteria and don’t always apply to every case.
“Every second matters when someone goes missing, and not every case meets the criteria for an Amber Alert. The Emerald Alert is about filling that gap and making sure Detroit families are never left feeling helpless,” Sheffield said.
Officials say the Emerald Alert will ensure urgent notifications go out for:
• Missing children under 10 not seen by an adult for an extended period of time
• Persons reported missing with special needs
• Non-domestic kidnappings of adults
• Cases where foul play is suspected
Chief Bettison said the system will give Detroiters the chance to act quickly in situations where every second counts. “If just one person sees the alert and calls in a tip, it could be the difference in bringing someone home safely,” he said.
One case cited for the upcoming new alerts system was Na’Ziyah Harris, a young Detroit girl who went missing and was never found. The suspect who’s been charged, Jarvis Butts, has been accused of kidnapping and murdering Na’Ziyah Harris. Her body has never been found.
When someone goes missing, families can provide police with details such as a recent photo, clothing description, and last known location. Once verified, an Emerald Alert will be sent through Detroit Alerts 365 directly to subscribers’ phones, emails, or landlines. The system can target alerts citywide or focus on specific neighborhoods impacted by an emergency.
Assistant Chief Hayes says the Detroit Police Department’s crime intelligence and missing persons units will oversee the alerts, ensuring they are issued quickly.
You can get messages for Alerts by enrolling in Detroit Alerts 365 on the city’s website.
