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.
