Since its launch in July, Arizona’s Turquoise Alert system, designed to assist in locating missing persons, has been activated just once despite the alarming statistic of 275 children and three adults reported missing in the past three months, according to an analysis by Arizona Luminaria. This raises concerns regarding the system’s effectiveness, particularly given its introduction after the tragic case of 14-year-old Emily Pike, who was missing for weeks before being found murdered earlier this year.
The alert system, initiated as a response to significant gaps in how missing persons cases were handled, aims to locate individuals under the age of 65 who do not qualify for existing Amber or Silver Alert protocols. Amber Alerts are issued for abducted children under 18, while Silver Alerts apply to seniors or adults with cognitive impairments. As of October 24, Arizona’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported a total of 278 missing individuals fitting the criteria for the Turquoise Alert since its inception.
However, to trigger a Turquoise Alert, investigators must determine that the individual is in danger or that the circumstances of their disappearance are suspicious, and that all available resources have been exhausted. The criteria for the current cases reported are unclear, leading to questions about why, despite numerous disappearances, the alert system remains largely unused.
The Turquoise Alert was first employed on July 23 for a 6-year-old girl from Hawaii, who was found safe just an hour after the alert was issued. This indicates that the system has the potential to function effectively, provided the circumstances are deemed appropriate for an alert. However, questions remain regarding how many requests have been made to DPS and how many of those requests, if any, were denied.
Emily Pike’s case, in particular, has brought attention to the urgent need for immediate action when children go missing. After her death, which was labeled a consequence of inadequate attention to her case, the law establishing the Turquoise Alert was sponsored and named “Emily’s Law.” Several advocates stress the importance of reevaluating the usage of the term “runaway,” as it can diminish the urgency of investigations into missing children.
Experts highlight that a shift in perspective is needed, advocating for any missing child under the age of 18 to be treated as endangered by default to facilitate a quicker response from law enforcement and alert systems, which can often mean the difference between life and death in such cases.
The situation underscores a broader pattern of violence against Indigenous communities, particularly women and children, who are reported missing at disproportionately high rates. Legislative changes made to include all minors under the Turquoise Alert signify progress toward addressing this critical issue, although concerns remain that the initial intent of focusing on the Indigenous population has been diluted.
Arizona, home to 22 federally recognized Tribal Nations, has repeatedly been highlighted for the troubling statistics surrounding missing Indigenous women and girls. As efforts continue to enhance the alert system, both advocates and families seek a more robust and responsive approach to prevent tragedies such as Emily’s from occurring again, ensuring that all missing persons receive the attention and urgency they deserve.