CHARLESTOWN, W.Va. – Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Wednesday the launch of the state’s new Purple Alert system through the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security and State Police.

According to a press release the new alert system designed to help locate missing individuals with cognitive impairments more efficiently.

“Purple Alerts empower local law enforcement to respond quickly when individuals with cognitive impairments go missing,” said Governor Morrisey. “This new alert system will strengthen community safety through clear coordination and swift action.”

Doug Buffington, acting secretary of West Virginia Department of Homeland Security explained that the initiative is a critical step in protection the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

A Purple Alert is activated by the State Police when there is a missing person report for a person with a cognitive impairment and there is a belief that the person is in danger, that the person’s location is unknown and that the person is unable to return home on their own. Once a Purple Alert is activated, the West Virginia State Police will issue a press release with a detailed physical description of the missing person and the circumstances. Alerts may also be shared via social media and media outlets.

The Purple Alert Program will be in addition to the state’s other alert programs, such as Amber Alerts, which are utilized to notify the public about missing and abducted children who are believed to be in imminent danger. For more information, contact the West Virginia State Police at 304-746-2100 or online at www.wvsp.gov.