The geo-targeting tool will allow the NSW Police Force to send a brief SMS message to all mobile devices within a defined area, outlining a description of the missing person and details on how to report sightings.

State Crime Command Director, Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Bennett, said it would be invaluable to help police in locating missing people when there are serious concerns for their safety.

"As these situations are unpredictable, the launch date of this new alert system cannot be determined in advance," he said.

"We now have the capabilities to use this system when there is an operational need in NSW and therefore want the community to be aware these functions exist, in the event they receive an SMS in the future."

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The same system is currently used to send out alerts within specific areas in the event of likely emergency situations like floods, bush fires or other extreme weather conditions.

The MPR have engaged telecommunications providers, Telstra, Optus and TPG to facilitate the use and implementation of the SMS geo-targeting tool, utilising the existing emergency alert framework.

An exact rollout date is not yet known due to the unknown nature of missing persons cases, but the system is prepared to launch whenever it is needed next.