ROSEAU, Dominica — Dominica has introduced a new national alert system aimed at improving how authorities respond to missing people and help the public identify violent crime suspects.

Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs Rayburn Blackmoore launched the system on October 5, outlining four alert levels based on the circumstances of each case.

A Pink Alert will be issued for any child under the age of 18 who goes missing, regardless of the circumstances, including a suspected runaway, kidnapping, injury or suspected murder. The alert applies equally to boys and girls.

A Silver Alert will be issued for elderly people and those with physical, mental or intellectual challenges.

An Orange Alert will be used for anyone who does not fall under the Pink or Silver Alert categories.

A Blue Alert will be a public safety notification issued by law enforcement to enlist the public’s help in apprehending violent suspects who have killed, seriously injured or assaulted a law enforcement officer.

Blackmoore said the system represents the government’s commitment to maintaining public safety.

“Public safety is key to the advancement and sustainable development of any country, and we believe what we are going to achieve by this launch as we go forward with the operation and execution of this missing alert system… a number of good will be had from that process going forward,” he said.

Blackmoore stressed that the system will “place pressure” on suspects who may be holding someone against their will, as the wider community will be able to provide information to law enforcement.

The missing person alert tip line will go live on October 7.