Turquoise Alert Activated Once Since July as Hundreds Go Missing in Arizona
Arizona’s Turquoise Alert system, designed to help locate missing individuals, has only been activated once since its launch on July 10, despite nearly 300 people reported missing in the state. An analysis by Emegypt revealed that 275 children and three adults went missing over the last three months, raising concerns about the system’s effectiveness.
Background of the Turquoise Alert System
The Turquoise Alert was initiated following the tragic case of 14-year-old Emily Pike, who disappeared for several weeks before being found murdered in February. This prompted officials to implement the alert system to bridge gaps in existing protocols, which primarily focus on children under 18 and seniors. The alert allows law enforcement agencies to request statewide notifications for individuals under 65 who are missing under specific conditions.
Criteria for Activation
- The missing person must be determined to be in danger or have suspicious circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
- The investigating agency must have exhausted all resources before activating the alert.
As of October 24, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) indicated that 278 individuals met the age criteria for a Turquoise Alert. However, it is unclear whether any of these cases met the activation requirements.
First Use of the Alert
The Turquoise Alert was first issued on July 23 for a 6-year-old girl from Hawaii, who was found safe shortly after the alert was activated by Cottonwood Police. This successful case stands in stark contrast to the other missing reports that remain unresolved.
Criticism of the System
Critics question the alert’s limited activation, especially given the alarming number of missing persons. They point out that Emily Pike’s case did not meet the alert criteria as she was initially labeled a runaway. Advocates argue that this designation undermines the urgency of finding missing children.
Addressing Missing Indigenous People
The Turquoise Alert system was originally intended to address the disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous communities. Since implementation, there have been several reports of missing Indigenous children in Arizona, highlighting the need for a more effective response system.
Statistics on Missing Indigenous Persons
- Arizona has the third-highest number of Indigenous women and girls reported missing or murdered in the U.S.
- A 2020 study found that 160 Indigenous women and girls were murdered in Arizona from 1976 to 2018.
- As of October 23, over 90 Native Americans have been reported missing since 1956.
Despite recent amendments to the Turquoise Alert, which broadened its scope to include minors, concerns remain that it may not fully address the issues faced by Indigenous communities. Advocates continue to push for more immediate responses for all missing children, stressing the need for proactive measures rather than reactive alerts.
