October 27, 2023
Press Release
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections announced today that the new Orange Alert notification system is operational and ready for citizens to opt in. ODOC worked with Rave Mobile Safety to set up the text message network to ensure Oklahomans can conveniently register to receive alerts about prison escapes.
The idea for the Orange Alert system came to Katie Edelen after county jail escapees took her aunt hostage. Edelen decided to help all Oklahomans be safer when an inmate walks away or escapes from a prison. While attending a legislative camp held at the State Capitol in 2022, the then-high school senior drafted legislation to institute an alert system that notifies citizens of such times when inmates unlawfully leave a correctional facility.
Rep. Anthony Moore learned of her proposed legislation and decided it needed to be an actual law. Moore and Sen. Darcy Jech co-authored HB 1546, which passed unanimously in both chambers during the 2023 legislative session. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed it into law on May 17, 2023, and it takes effect on Nov. 1.
Unlike an Amber Alert, the Orange Alert is an optional system and is not location-based. Citizens may opt-in to receive notifications by texting a keyword to 77295. Each facility’s keyword can be found at orangealert.ok.gov. In the event of a walkaway or escape, the alert will be issued to those on the specific facility’s list.
ODOC is excited to bring Katie’s idea to life as we continue efforts to keep Oklahomans safe.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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