The Arizona Department of Public Safety will launch the SAFE Alert program on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, replacing the state’s Silver Alert system and expanding who qualifies for rapid public notifications when a vulnerable person goes missing.
AZDPS says SAFE Alert broadens eligibility beyond seniors to include people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as Arizonans with developmental or cognitive disabilities. Under the new protocol, once criteria are met, agencies may not delay or deny an alert, and biannual training on the alert process is mandatory for law enforcement statewide.
When a SAFE Alert can be issued (A.R.S. § 41-1728):
The missing person is 65+ or has Alzheimer’s/dementia or a diagnosed developmental/cognitive disability.
Investigators have exhausted local resources (NCIC entry, BOLOs/APBs, checks of hospitals/jails/alternate residences, device location tools, contacts with family or caseworkers).
Circumstances of the disappearance are unexplained or suspicious and the person is believed to be in danger (age, health, disability, weather, or other risks).
There’s enough actionable information to aid recovery.
How alerts will reach the public:
SAFE Alerts will go out through the Emergency Alert System, ADOT highway message boards (when a vehicle is involved), law-enforcement APBs, the AZDPS Alerts website, the AZDPS mobile app, social media (Facebook, X), and text/email notifications. For updates, visit azdps.gov.
Officials say the shift to SAFE Alert is the first major overhaul of Arizona’s missing-person notification system in years, aimed at faster activation, clearer standards, and broader protection for vulnerable Arizonans.
