The City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Police Department credited the new Bryan’s Call alert system on May 27 for helping safely return a missing elderly woman to her family within minutes of its activation.
According to city officials, an 84-year-old vulnerable woman was reported missing by her family on May 26. Officers from the New Orleans Police Department responded immediately, and detectives initiated a Silver Alert request through Louisiana State Police. While waiting for official activation of the Silver Alert and recognizing the urgency, officers also activated Bryan’s Call through the NOLA Ready system. The woman was located within 15 minutes after the alert was distributed.
“When a loved one with disabilities is missing, every minute counts,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “This inclusive program is the lifeline New Orleanians deserve when time is of the essence.”
“I want to thank the Moreno Administration for championing this effort since Mayor Moreno was on the City Council,” said New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. “We know firsthand how dangerous wandering off from safe locations can be for our vulnerable and disabled citizens. Having a faster response with alerts like Bryan’s Call will help save lives.”
A neighbor recognized the missing woman about six blocks from her home and contacted police, leading to her safe reunion with family members. Officials described this incident as a successful real-time test of Bryan’s Call Alert through NOLA Ready, demonstrating how coordinated efforts between law enforcement, emergency systems, and community members can protect vulnerable individuals.