Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed legislation into law this week that would create a “Turquoise Alert” system for missing Native Americans.
The new law instructs the Department of Public Safety to create a Turquoise Alert system to inform the public of a missing person who is an enrolled member or eligible for enrollment in a federal-recognized Indian nation, tribe or pueblo. Similar alert systems already exist, like Amber Alerts for missing children and Silver Alerts for missing seniors.
“I am grateful to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and our Legislature for prioritizing the safety of Native American people across the state of New Mexico,” Indian Affairs Secretary Josett D. Monette said. “The Turquoise Alert system empowers our communities with a vital tool to help bring awareness to our missing relatives. This legislation reiterates New Mexico’s commitment to public safety for New Mexicans.”
The bill passed both the House and Senate unanimously.
It would apply to eligible residents who are missing due to unexplained or missing suspicious circumstances, who are at risk due to safety or health concerns or suffer from a mental or physical disability.
In addition to cell phone alerts, DPS would coordinate with law enforcement, state agencies and media .
“With the signing of SB 041, New Mexico has taken a vital step toward addressing the crisis of missing Indigenous persons,” Department of Public Safety Secretary Jason R. Bowie said. “The Turquoise Alert System empowers law enforcement, media, and the public to work together quickly when a loved one goes missing. This is more than just a new protocol it is a real-time communication to a crisis that demands our full attention.”
Thank goodness, it would have been so confusing if they insisted on using the same nomenclature regardless of race. Children would probably never be found if they used “Amber” instead of “Turquoise”. I’m glad there are so many smart people in this state to help all of the idiotic rubes like me!