New Orleans Governmental Affairs Committee greenlights alert system for vulnerable individuals

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A new alert system designed to locate missing vulnerable children and adults is one step closer to becoming a reality in New Orleans, after legislation was passed in a Governmental Affairs Committee meeting.

Councilwoman Helena Moreno spearheaded the idea, saying this system will close the gaps created by other alerts, such as the Amber Alert.

“Create a new type of alert system where vulnerable people within our community, when they are missing, so that this alert system could be sent out to the people of our city. Whether it’s through NOLA Ready or through something very similar to that, it’s so incredibly necessary,” said Moreno.

In coordination with NOPD, the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Orleans Parish Communications District, will update and establish policies to permit 24/7 time-sensitive alerts.

This would include annual training for responders and a website for the community to access.

“This just creates a more coordinated, consistent, established, transparent system. And we are delighted to play a role in what will hopefully provide comfort to families should an unfortunate experience like this occur again,” said Moreno’s Chief of Staff, Sayde Finkel.

The alert system comes after the disappearance and death of Bryan Vasquez. The 12-year-old, who had autism and was non-verbal, was found dead nearly two weeks after he wandered away from his home. Moreno says Vasquez’s case did not meet the established requirements for an Amber Alert to be issued.

Chrisha Pool, who lives near where Vasquez’s body was discovered, advocated for the legislation to pass. Pool says her son has autism and is scared a similar situation can happen again.

“I have to worry every day that I’m going to have to experience what Bryan’s mom did. I am asking y’all, please change this to where alerts are done for the children and special needs adults,” said Pool.

Others are optimistic that this alert system can be used at more than just the city level.

“Up to the state and up to federal to move forward for special needs families or just the communities to be more aware of situations like this so that we are preventative, instead of reactive,” said Kaysee Seymour.

The legislation will now go before the full council, where it is also expected to pass.

To view a full slideshow of the plan, click here.

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