PHOENIX — July 10, 2025 — Governor Katie Hobbs has announced the official launch of the Turquoise Alert, a new emergency alert system designed to help locate missing vulnerable individuals, especially those from Tribal communities, who are under age 65 and considered endangered.
The system, which Governor Hobbs prioritized in early 2025, will work in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and other law enforcement agencies statewide. It was codified into law in May through bipartisan legislation, known as Emily’s Law, named in memory of Emily Pike, a 14-year-old Indigenous girl whose tragic death inspired the reform.
“Turquoise Alert is a critical communication tool that will save lives,” said Governor Hobbs. “This is a meaningful step toward improving public safety, especially for Tribal communities long impacted by the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people.”
The Turquoise Alert system will be activated when an individual under the age of 65 goes missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances and is believed to be endangered or in the company of someone potentially dangerous. Alerts will be issued only when sufficient descriptive information is available and when local resources have been exhausted.
Alerts will reach the public through:
Emergency Alert System (EAS)
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
Arizona Department of Transportation highway signs
Social media platforms
AZDPS Alerts website
All-Points Bulletins (APB) to law enforcement
This new tool builds on Arizona’s existing alert systems:
Amber Alert (for abducted children)
Blue Alert (for suspects who harm law enforcement)
Silver Alert, which will be renamed the SAFE Alert in September (for missing seniors and those with cognitive disabilities)
Turquoise Alert (for endangered individuals under 65, including Indigenous persons)
The Governor’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person Task Force, in partnership with AZPOST, has also developed a comprehensive training curriculum for officers statewide. This includes an eight-course module focused on investigative response, victim sensitivity, and proper implementation of the alert system.
State and Tribal leaders are unified in support:
Col. Jeffrey Glover, DPS Director:
“The Turquoise Alert empowers the public with real-time, actionable information — a vital step in bringing missing individuals home safely.”
Paul Russell, Inter Tribal Council of Arizona President:
“This alert gives Tribal communities a critical tool we’ve long needed.”
Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor of the Gila River Indian Community:
“This system is a promise that no one should feel invisible. Emily Pike’s story moves us to act — and this alert gives families a fighting chance.”
Gabriel Lopez, Ak-Chin Indian Community Chairman:
“Seconds count. This alert can save lives.”
Buu Nygren, Navajo Nation President:
“We will use this tool alongside our public safety partners to combat the MMIP crisis. This is a victory for justice and for every Indigenous family.”
The Turquoise Alert is now active statewide. For more information on activation criteria or to stay informed, visit:
https://azdps.gov/alerts
https://maricopacountyattorney.org/545/Cyber-Predators-Real-Risks
The alert system reflects Arizona’s ongoing commitment to public safety, justice, and equity — particularly for vulnerable and historically underserved communities.
