What is gold alert?

A Gold Alert is an emergency notification system used by law enforcement agencies to seek the public's help in finding missing adults with mental impairments, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive disorders. It is similar to an Amber Alert, which is used for missing children.

When a person with a mental impairment is reported missing, the law enforcement agency will evaluate the circumstances and determine if a Gold Alert is necessary. If so, they will issue the alert, providing relevant information about the missing individual such as their name, physical description, last seen location, and any other pertinent details.

The Gold Alert information is then disseminated through various channels, including media outlets, social media platforms, highway signs, and mobile devices, to reach as many people as possible and increase the chances of locating the missing person safely.

It is important for the public to be aware of Gold Alerts and actively participate in the search efforts. Anyone who has information about the missing person's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the designated law enforcement agency or the provided hotline number.

Gold Alerts have proven to be effective in locating missing adults with cognitive impairments since their establishment in the United States. Their purpose is to mobilize the community to assist in finding these individuals quickly and ensuring their safety.