Arizona’s introduction of the Turquoise Alert system in July aimed to enhance the state’s response to missing persons cases. Despite nearly 300 disappearances reported since the launch, the alert has seen only a single activation, sparking discussions about its functionality and criteria.
The Turquoise Alert, brought into effect through House Bill 2281, was designed to bridge the gap for cases that do not meet the criteria for Amber or Silver Alerts. Lawmakers were inspired by the tragic case of Emily Pike, a 14-year-old whose disappearance highlighted the need for broader alert systems. However, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) asserts that the alert’s limited use is purposeful, adhering strictly to state regulations.
“The limited number of Turquoise Alert activations is not indicative of underuse but reflects the intentional scope of the program,” stated DPS through Sgt. Kim Love-Ness, emphasizing the rigorous review process each alert request undergoes. The DPS acts as an intermediary, ensuring compliance with legal requirements before statewide dissemination.
The criteria for issuing a Turquoise Alert are stringent, requiring:
- A missing person report in law enforcement databases
- The individual to be under 65
- Exhaustion of local resources
- Unexplained or suspicious circumstances
- Sufficient descriptive information to aid in recovery
Terms such as ‘unexplained,’ ‘suspicious,’ and ‘endangered’ are not explicitly defined in the statute, leaving room for interpretation by law enforcement. DPS describes ‘unexplained’ as lacking a routine explanation, ‘suspicious’ as suggesting potential criminal activity, and ‘endangered’ as facing credible risk.
Despite these criteria, the alert would not have applied to its namesake, Emily Pike, due to her being labeled a runaway. “A runaway isn’t necessarily a crime or a suspicious or unexplained circumstance,” explained Arizona DPS Captain Thomas Neve.
Indigenous communities, represented by Emily’s Tribe, argue against the ‘runaway’ label for missing children, stating it diminishes urgency. A congressional report highlighted that Indigenous children go missing disproportionately compared to their population size in the U.S.
Originally intended to address missing Indigenous people, the Turquoise Alert was later broadened to include any missing endangered person under 65, diluting its initial focus on Indigenous communities, who face high rates of violence.
Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations, with studies indicating a high number of cases involving missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls. The MMIP database launched by Arizona Luminaria reflects this troubling trend.
DPS continues to provide training and outreach on using the alert system, emphasizing that participation is voluntary. The conversation around the Turquoise Alert’s criteria and effectiveness remains ongoing, particularly in its role to serve vulnerable communities.
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