A Purple Alert has been activated today in Florida after authorities reported that Joseph Cheatham, an adult with a cognitive disability from Tallahassee, has been reported missing. The Purple Alert system, designed to help locate missing adults with certain disabilities, continues to play a crucial role in urgent search efforts across states that have adopted the program.
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What a Purple Alert Is and How It Works
A Purple Alert is a specialized public-notification system used to help find missing adults who have intellectual, developmental, or cognitive disabilities. It is intended for individuals who do not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert or Silver Alert but are still considered vulnerable due to their conditions.
The alert covers adults who may have:
- Intellectual or developmental disabilities
- A brain injury
- Autism
- A cognitive impairment that affects judgment or safety
- A condition that prevents them from returning home on their own
The system is activated only when law enforcement determines that the missing person is in danger and requires immediate public assistance. Once an alert is issued, details are shared through media outlets, digital alert systems, highway signs in some states, and public-notification platforms.
Where Purple Alerts Are Used in the U.S.
Not every state has adopted the Purple Alert system. As of the latest update:
- States with a formal Purple Alert program include Florida, Mississippi, Connecticut, Kansas, and Maryland.
- Other states have introduced similar systems under different names or with different criteria.
- Several states are considering proposals to establish their own versions of Purple Alerts.
The lack of a nationwide standard means procedures vary widely. In some states, individuals with disabilities may not qualify for a specific alert at all, even when at risk.
A Look at Today’s Newly Issued Alert
The newly issued Purple Alert for Joseph Cheatham in Florida underscores how important the system has become for vulnerable adults. Authorities report that Cheatham has a cognitive disability that places him at significant risk if he is not located quickly. Local agencies continue to request public assistance and vigilance.
This case shows how Purple Alerts remain active tools that directly impact public safety and community involvement.
Other Recent Purple Alert Activity Across the U.S.
More states have been building or expanding their Purple Alert systems throughout 2025:
West Virginia
The state recently launched its first Purple Alert program this year. The move represents a major step toward broader adoption nationwide. The system is designed to mobilize the public when vulnerable adults go missing and need immediate help.
Connecticut
Earlier this year, Connecticut officially implemented its Purple Alert system. Authorities there issued an alert for a missing 19-year-old with a cognitive disability who was later found safe. The case highlighted how quickly the system can work when activated in a timely manner.
Growing Adoption
Advocacy groups expect more states to adopt Purple Alerts or similar systems, reflecting increased awareness of the risks faced by adults with disabilities.
Why Purple Alerts Are Critical
1. They Fill a Major Safety Gap
Before Purple Alerts existed, adults with cognitive disabilities often fell between alert categories.
- AMBER Alerts focus on abducted children.
- Silver Alerts mainly apply to seniors with dementia.
Purple Alerts recognize that adults with disabilities may also be highly vulnerable, especially when they wander or become disoriented.
2. They Mobilize Communities Quickly
When an alert is issued, residents become additional eyes and ears for law enforcement. Early public awareness is critical, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours of a missing-person case.
3. They Create Clear Protocols for Law Enforcement
States that use Purple Alerts have structured guidelines that determine:
- Who qualifies
- When an alert should be issued
- How information is shared
- Privacy protections for the missing adult
Clear processes help avoid delays in situations where time is essential.
How Effective Are Purple Alerts?
States that have already implemented Purple Alerts report several key outcomes:
- Faster public awareness
- Increased tips submitted to law enforcement
- Higher recovery rates within the first hours after an alert
- Stronger collaboration between families and police
The visibility of Purple Alerts has also encouraged more families to report missing loved ones immediately, rather than waiting for extended periods.
Limitations and Challenges
While the system continues to show promise, several challenges remain:
1. Limited Nationwide Adoption
Only a handful of states have official Purple Alerts. Adults with disabilities who go missing in states without such a system may not receive the same level of public notification.
2. Inconsistent Criteria
Qualification requirements vary by state. An individual who meets the criteria in one state might not qualify elsewhere.
3. Public Awareness Gaps
Because Purple Alerts are newer than other alert types, many residents do not know what the alert means. Awareness campaigns are still catching up.
4. Reliance on Community Response
The effectiveness of an alert depends largely on how quickly the public sees and shares the information.
The Importance of Public Participation
Purple Alerts rely heavily on public awareness. When a Purple Alert is issued, the community plays a vital role in helping to locate the missing individual. Staying informed and reporting any credible sightings directly to local authorities can make a lifesaving difference.
The alert for Joseph Cheatham serves as a reminder of how crucial it is for residents to pay attention to alert notifications. Each alert represents a real person in need of help, and timely public involvement can directly influence outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of Purple Alerts across the country reflects growing recognition of the needs of adults with cognitive disabilities. As more states adopt similar systems, the U.S. may eventually see a more consistent national approach to assisting missing vulnerable adults.
Today’s active alert in Florida reinforces the real and urgent need for these programs. The continued development of Purple Alerts improves the odds of safe recoveries and strengthens the overall safety net for people with disabilities.
More states are expected to adopt Purple Alert systems in the coming years as awareness continues to grow.
If you have thoughts about Purple Alerts or want to share experiences, feel free to join the conversation below.