Editor’s Note: The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has clarified that the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) system was used to issue an alert for the missing nine-year-old, Chantel Crump, at 11:58 a.m. on Thursday. NODS confirms that CAP has the capability to send alerts for emergencies, including missing persons, and continues to improve the system based on public feedback.
Authorities Consider Emergency Alert System to Aid in Missing Persons Cases
St John’s, Antigua – Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda are considering the use of CAP-CAP, an emergency mobile alert system, to quickly disseminate information about missing persons, particularly in urgent cases like the recent abduction of nine-year-old Chantel Crump.
During a press conference on Thursday, a journalist raised the question of whether the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) system—currently used for disasters like tsunamis and earthquakes—could be activated to issue AMBER-style alerts when a child goes missing.
Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers responded positively, stating that the police would be open to using any available tool that could assist in locating missing persons.
“If it is available and can help us solve crimes, we will use it,” Jeffers said.
The CAP-CAP system allows emergency alerts to be sent directly to mobile phones, ensuring that critical information reaches a wide audience instantly. While primarily used for natural disasters, the technology could be adapted to notify the public about abductions and missing persons cases, increasing the chances of a swift recovery.
A local emergency official confirmed that the system could be used for such alerts, but it has not yet been activated for missing persons.
The discussion comes amid concerns about the rising number of missing persons cases, including the recent disappearance of Chantel Crump, who was last seen entering a vehicle on her way home from school on Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities have questioned two individuals in connection with her disappearance and have drained a cistern at a suspect’s home in Glanvilles as part of their ongoing investigation.
With public anxiety growing, many believe that a rapid notification system could help prevent similar cases in the future.
Police officials have not yet confirmed when or if CAP-CAP will be fully implemented for missing persons alerts, but discussions are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in current investigations.
Anyone with information on missing persons is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Department at 462-3913 or 3914.
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Come on board everyone.be our neighbours keeper.you notice something strange. Call the POLICE.
Good morning. In that same press conference, Mr Jeffers did say that the alert went out on Cap Cap. It does have the ability to send out such alerts.
That system should have been implemented long time ago…we’d be better equipped to react quickly and help those in need.
Oh Waw… I have never heard of that system before..
If they use that system will the alert be sent to everyone in Antigua or specific set of people
I think anything the Authorizes can get their hands on now will be useful. We need all the help we can get in these situations.
What good is Amber Alert if it takes the police over an hour to respond, despite there being a Police station right there in Grays Farm !!!!
Why did a little girl have to go missing from them to mention this system? Why didn’t they mention when David or the others went missing?
I didnt see anything there for the Police officials to think on… If this can help them to find the girl … wll juat go ahead and do it !!!