Moreover, Arizona’s Turquoise Alert system provides immediate public notification for missing endangered persons under 65, honoring San Carlos Apache Tribal member Emily Pike through life-saving emergency communications.
Turquoise Alert Emily’s Law establishes a notification system providing immediate information to the public following reports of missing endangered persons. The Turquoise Alert Emily’s Law program issues and coordinates alerts using various resources when specific activation criteria are met. Turquoise Alert Emily’s Law applies to missing endangered persons, including tribal members, who are under the age of 65 and meet specific criteria established by Arizona statute.
The goal of the Turquoise Alert is to locate the missing endangered person through efficient information dissemination and communication that results in safe and expedient recovery. The system is cited as “Emily’s Law” to honor and memorialize the life of San Carlos Apache Tribal member, Emily Pike.
Turquoise Alert Emily’s Law Activation Criteria Requirements
As prescribed by A.R.S. 41-1728.01, the investigating law enforcement agency may request a Turquoise Alert when it believes specific criteria are met as established in statute. Consequently, DPS will issue a Turquoise Alert when all five of the following criteria have been met as listed below.
First, the missing person must be under the age of 65. Second, the law enforcement agency investigating the missing person report must have used all available local resources. Third, the person must have gone missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances. Specifically, a law enforcement agency has determined that the person is NOT a runaway as the only reason they went missing. However, there is an exception if there are articulable facts that the person is missing and endangered due to aggravating factors.
Fourth, authorities must believe that the missing person is in danger, is in the company of a potentially dangerous person, or that there are other factors indicating that the missing person may be in peril. Finally, there must be information that, if disseminated to the public, could assist in the safe recovery of the missing person.
Emily’s Law Required Local Resource Exhaustion Process
Before requesting a Turquoise Alert, law enforcement must exhaust all available local resources. This includes entering a missing person report in NCIC. However, an exception exists where NCIC entry may be pending if the person was abducted.
Additionally, agencies must issue BOLO’s, APB’s, flyers with pictures of the missing person, and bulletins. Furthermore, they must check alternate residences, hospitals (including VA hospitals if applicable), and jails. Moreover, authorities must utilize cell phone location systems (including carrier) and in-vehicle location systems. Finally, they must contact other family members and friends the person may be staying with. If applicable, authorities must also contact social workers.
Turquoise Alert Emily’s Law Emergency Alert System Integration
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has amended its regulations governing the EAS and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). Specifically, the FCC added a new event code, Missing Endangered Person (MEP). This allows alert originators to issue alerts to the public about missing and endangered persons. Notably, this includes members of federally recognized Indian tribes whose circumstances do not meet Amber Alert criteria.
Furthermore, FEMA has given DPS permission to activate generic EAS coding that is sent to Arizona broadcasters. As a result, broadcasters may interrupt normal broadcast programming to disseminate Turquoise Alert information.
Turquoise Alert Emily’s Law Multi-Channel Communication Resources
When activated, Turquoise Alerts utilize multiple communication channels to maximize public reach. First, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts to all Arizona media outlets. Second, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Vehicle Messaging System (VMS) Boards display alerts. However, this only occurs when authorities believe the person is in a vehicle.
Third, All-Points Bulletins (APB) broadcast to law enforcement agencies statewide. Fourth, the DPS Alerts Website publishes detailed information about the missing person. Finally, social media platforms including Twitter/X and Facebook, along with text and email systems, disseminate alerts to registered users.
Emily’s Law Honors Emily Pike Through Life-Saving Alert System
The Turquoise Alert system carries the designation “Emily’s Law” to honor San Carlos Apache Tribal member Emily Pike. This naming memorializes her life while creating a lasting legacy that protects other vulnerable individuals. Specifically, the system addresses a critical gap in emergency alert systems for missing endangered persons who don’t meet Amber Alert criteria.
Before Turquoise Alert implementation, many missing endangered persons fell through gaps in existing alert systems. The Amber Alert specifically targets abducted children, while Silver Alerts focus on elderly persons with cognitive impairments. However, young adults and tribal members often didn’t qualify for either system. Consequently, Emily’s Law fills this crucial gap in emergency notification systems.
Turquoise Alert Emily’s Law Impact on Tribal Communities
Native American communities face disproportionately high rates of missing persons cases. According to national statistics, Indigenous women and girls experience violence and disappearance at rates significantly higher than other demographics. Therefore, the Turquoise Alert’s specific inclusion of federally recognized tribal members addresses this crisis directly.
The system provides tribal law enforcement agencies with powerful tools to mobilize public assistance quickly. When tribal members go missing under suspicious circumstances, every minute counts. By leveraging statewide communication networks, the Turquoise Alert exponentially increases the chances of safe recovery.
Furthermore, the multi-channel approach ensures alerts reach both urban and rural communities. This is particularly important for tribal communities that may be geographically isolated. The combination of highway messaging boards, broadcast media, and social media creates comprehensive coverage across Arizona.
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