A Turquoise Alert is a specialized public notification system designed to help locate missing endangered persons, typically in specific U.S. states like Arizona (and sometimes New Mexico), when other alert programs (like Amber or Silver Alerts) do not apply. It aims to rapidly disseminate information to the public to aid in safe and timely recovery, often focusing on missing individuals who are under a certain age (commonly under 65) and who meet defined activation criteria. Key points to know

• Purpose and scope: Turquoise Alerts fill a gap for missing persons who are endangered but do not fit the criteria of Amber or Silver Alerts. They mobilize broad public awareness to maximize chances of a quick, safe return.

• Activation criteria (Arizona example): In Arizona, a Turquoise Alert can be issued when a missing person is under 65, investigators have exhausted local resources, the circumstances are suspicious or unexplained, the person is not simply a runaway, danger is plausible, and disseminating information could aid recovery. These criteria are set out in state statute and departmental procedures.

• Legal and organizational framework: States may establish Turquoise Alert statutes and official programs to coordinate alerts, often led by the state Department of Public Safety or equivalent law enforcement bodies, with involvement from tribal communities when applicable.

• Public communication: Alerts are delivered through multiple channels to maximize reach, including media, digital platforms, and public-facing bulletins, with the overarching goal of locating the missing person quickly.

Recent developments and examples

• Arizona launched a Turquoise Alert program and has issued alerts for missing youths or vulnerable individuals under 65 under certain conditions, highlighting the program’s practical use. Public notices and official statements frame the Turquoise Alert as a bridge between missing-person alerts and broader public awareness efforts.

• The program is sometimes referred to as “Emily’s Law” in Arizona, honoring a specific case and emphasizing the public safety mission behind these alerts.

• New Mexico and other states have considered or enacted Turquoise Alert mechanisms to address missing Indigenous persons and MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous People) concerns, signaling broader adoption beyond Arizona.

If you’d like, I can pull the latest official definitions, activation criteria, and recent alert examples from state statutes or department pages for the specific state you’re interested in. Note: details can vary by state and over time.