Endangered Person Advisory

What is an Endangered Person Advisory?

The Endangered Person Advisory (EPA) is a system designed to disseminate information about a missing/endangered person to law enforcement and the media. The Endangered Person Advisory is a voluntary partnership between Iowa law enforcement, broadcasters, media, and organizations representing Iowa citizens and visitors and is designed to inform the public about a missing/endangered person. Only Iowa law enforcement can initiate an Endangered Person Advisory. For an Endangered Person Advisory to be initiated, an investigation must be made into the missing person’s whereabouts immediately, and without delay.

There is no waiting period required to initiate a missing person report.
Issuing an Endangered Person Advisory is not designed to replace, circumvent, prevent, or prohibit local law enforcement from initiating internal procedures or processes they have in place to assist with public notifications.
If the missing person is under the age of 18, determine if the situation fits the criteria for an Iowa AMBER Alert. If they are over the age of 18, proceed with activation procedures for an EPA.
Entry into NCIC via the IOWA System is a mandatory requirement for the issuance of an Endangered Person Advisory.

Understanding the Endangered Person Advisory

Rapid Public Notification

The EPA provides a way to quickly disseminate information about missing and endangered persons to media outlets and the public.

Law Enforcement Initiated

Only law enforcement agencies can request the activation of an EPA. An immediate investigation must coincide with the advisory.

No Waiting Period is Required

There is no mandatory waiting period to request or evaluate eligibility for an EPA.

Shared Through Media, Not Mobile Alerts

Unlike an AMBER Alert, an EPA does not send emergency notifications to cellular devices. Information is shared through law enforcement and media partners.