'Something I Care About’: How An Oklahoma Student’s Idea Created New Orange Alert System

Oklahomans can now receive text alerts if an inmate escapes from prison. The Orange Alert system went live on the first of the month-- and it's already being put to use. 

People can text a simple code to sign up and receive alerts from their local prison. Leaders at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections said it’s making a difference thanks to a student’s idea.  

On Sunday, one alert told people Kasey Stell escaped the Clara Waters Community Correctional Center because of this bright idea. People serve time for their crimes. However, some inmates escape prison. ODOC chief of public relations Kay Thompson said the new system alerts people faster. 

“This is a much better way,” Thompson said. “[The alerts give] the inmate’s name, their number, and when they had walked away from the facility.” 

Let's rewind a second – to learn how we got here. Meet Katie Edelen – she’s a freshman at Northern Oklahoma College-Enid. “It was just kinda crazy to see it actually being put to use,” Edelen said. 

Orange Alert came from Edelen’s mind at a summer camp called the Oklahoma Youth Legislative Experience. “We had to create a bill,” Edelen said. “It is something personal to me and something I care about.” 

She thought of this system because of what happened to her aunt Jamie. “She was actually kidnapped, by escaped convicts,” Edelen said. 

It happened in 2006, Edelen's aunt was okay – but Edelen wants to protect others. Lawmakers agreed and passed legislation and Gov. Kevin Stitt signed it into law. 

Alerts began on November first. “It just kinda took off and now it’s in use,” said Edelen, with a smile. 

A law on the books because Edelen spoke up and shared her vision. “No idea’s a dumb idea,” Edelen said. “Just see how far you can take it and just have confidence in yourself.” 

DOC officials would like to make this system more user-friendly in the future. They said they will continue to make improvements including photos of escaped inmates.