NEW ORLEANS — Mayor Helena Moreno, New Orleans Police Deputy Chief Nicholas Gernon, along with other city leaders announce the implementation of the new “Bryan’s Call” Endangered Missing Persons Alert that launches across the City on May 25. This new local safety alert system is designed to locate missing vulnerable adults and children, whereas current alert systems do not encompass both individuals in one alert. The initiative began under then Council Vice President Helena Moreno as a direct response to the heartbreaking situation concerning Bryan Vazquez, who went missing in New Orleans whose case did not meet established requirements for an AMBER alert to be issued.
Although AMBER Alerts and Silver Alerts are vital tools, they are applied with strict guidelines, leaving many at-risk individuals without coverage. Children who do not meet AMBER criteria and adults of all ages with cognitive, developmental, or physical challenges often fall through the cracks. “Bryan’s Call” is a new local alert program that closes those gaps, providing swift public notification whenever such an individual is reported missing in Orleans Parish.
Under the alert system guidelines, an alert may be issued when:
- The missing person is a child, senior, or vulnerable adult
- The person’s whereabouts are unknown
- The disappearance occurred in Orleans Parish or the person is believed to be in Orleans Parish
- Circumstances create a credible threat to the person’s safety or health
- Sufficient information is available to share with the public that could help locate the person
- The case does not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert or Silver Alert
- Alerts would be issued through the City’s NOLA Ready platform, operating around the clock
“As Mayor of New Orleans, I’m proud to be able to see this piece of legislation come full circle. From the very start, when I served as City Council Vice President, this effort was all about dignity, safety, and urgency. No family should ever be told their missing and vulnerable child, parent, or loved one doesn’t qualify for help,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “In those terrifying moments, every second is precious, and this program is the inclusive lifeline that brings someone’s family member home, no matter how old they are, or their circumstances.”
“I want to thank Mayor Moreno and the City of New Orleans for working so quickly to create this dedicated alert system for Disabled and vulnerable individuals who often do not qualify for Amber or Silver Alerts. Wandering from safe locations presents a significant risk to the life and health of disabled and vulnerable individuals of all ages, for example, statistics show 91% of deaths in Autistic individuals under the age of 14 are due to drowning. Those deaths are preventable, and alert systems like this can make it easier to locate a missing individual more quickly, potentially locating them before they can end up in danger,” said Claire Tibbetts, Executive Director for Autism Society of Greater New Orleans. “Our organization knows firsthand how dangerous wandering can be, and how it presents a significant source of stress and anxiety for the families who love and care for disabled individuals of all ages. When a person with a disability wanders off, especially near water or in unfamiliar surroundings, every minute counts. A faster response WILL save lives. This alert system presents a positive step forward for the safeguarding of vulnerable and disabled individuals in our community, and will hopefully act as a model for similar systems statewide so that no matter where someone in Louisiana lives, they are eligible for an alert to allow the community to help locate them as soon as possible, should they wander from safety.”
Then Council Vice President Moreno authored the legislation in consultation and partnership with the NOPD, the New Orleans Office of Coordination and Emergency Management (NOCEM), and the Orleans Parish Communications District (OPCD) with the measure co-authored by the entire City Council.
NOPD, OPCD, and NOCEM worked collaboratively to establish this alert system. Minimum guidelines for the program, include: set definitions for a missing child, senior, or vulnerable adult; standardized activation and cancellation criteria; minimum alert content to include critical details such as physical descriptions, circumstances of disappearance and last known location, and any medical or safety considerations with a link to a website containing complete details and updates; and guidelines ensuring consistency and non-interference with existing AMBER Alert and Silver Alert programs. Once launched on May 25 at 12:01 a.m., NOPD will publish clear guidance so residents know how alerts work and how they can help.
The City of New Orleans “Bryan’s Call” Endangered Missing Persons Alert differs from a similar piece of legislation in the Louisiana State Senate because it includes adults as well as children.
For more information on Bryan’s Call, click visit: https://nola.gov/bryanscall/
To submit a tip or information relevant to an issued alert, please contact Crimestoppers at (504) 821-2222 or via their website: https://www.crimestoppersgno.org/
Individuals can also contact the Orleans Parish Communications District via 9-1-1. If you are located outside Orleans Parish, please call: (504) 671-3600.
To sign up for NOLA Ready alerts, text NOLAREADY (all one word) to 77295.