Turquoise Alert in Arizona: Over 300 Reported Missing

In Arizona, the introduction of the Turquoise Alert highlights significant gaps in the systems designed to assist with missing persons cases. Though over 300 individuals have been reported missing since its inception, this emergency notification system has only been utilized once.

What is the Turquoise Alert?

The Turquoise Alert is a category of emergency alert designed for cases where individuals do not meet the criteria for other alerts such as Amber or Silver Alerts. It primarily targets vulnerable populations, especially Indigenous communities facing high rates of violence and disappearances.

Legislation Background

• The legislation is informally known as “Emily’s Law,” named after Emily Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, who tragically went missing earlier this year.
• Emily’s case illustrates the shortcomings of the current alert systems, as she was classified as a runaway and did not qualify for the Turquoise Alert.

Criteria for Activation

The Turquoise Alert has specific criteria that must be met:

• The missing individual must be between the ages of 18 and 64, although amendments have been made to include minors.
• There must be evidence of suspicious or unexplained circumstances.
• The case must involve a perceived danger to the missing person.

Current State of Missing Persons in Arizona

Since the launch of the Turquoise Alert, nearly 300 people have been reported missing in Arizona. However, law enforcement agencies assert that none of these cases met the legal requirements to trigger an alert. This decision has raised questions about the efficacy of the alert system.

Critical Reception and Future Implications

Experts argue that any missing child, especially those categorized as runaways, should be viewed as endangered. The limited use of the Turquoise Alert raises doubts about its effectiveness in preventing further tragedies like that of Emily Pike.

Recommendations for Improvement

Advocates suggest a need for increased investment in resources aimed at preventing disappearances. This includes enhanced community support services, counseling, and family assistance programs.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) claims that law enforcement has been trained on the criteria for all alert systems, including the Turquoise Alert. However, the apparent underutilization of the alert system suggests that more needs to be done.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Turquoise Alert appears insufficient in addressing the alarming rates of missing Indigenous persons. Moving forward, stakeholders must consider broader systemic changes and resource allocations to effectively combat this ongoing issue in Arizona.