FCC adopts an alert system for missing Indigenous people

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NPR

August 15, 2024 5:02 AM ET



The Federal Communications Commission is launching a new nationwide alert code for missing and endangered Indigenous people who do not fit the criteria for an Amber Alert or Silver Alert.

This new alert code, according to the federal agency, would be similar to the nationwide Amber Alert system and will help law enforcement agencies across the country to issue timely alerts to the public through cellphones, televisions and radios.

The new "MEP" alert code is part of the efforts to address disparities in searching for and locating thousands of missing Indigenous persons in the U.S., who are at higher risk of being victims of violence, homicide, and of going missing, the FCC said in a news release.

"We just made it easier to find missing and endangered persons, particularly those from indigenous and tribal communities," the federal agency said in a post on X.

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2024/08/15/nx-s1-5075158/fcc-alert-system-missing-indigenous-persons

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Link to FCC NEWS RELEASE page - FCC Adopts New Alert Code for Missing & Endangered Persons

Link to FCC NEWS RELEASE (PDF) - https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-404565A1.pdf

[Bayard]

1. Very good news,

Especially for Indigenous women who routinely disappear.

[ampm]

3. That's amazing

Too many of our children have gone missing and this is a big deal

[twodogsbarking]

2. I hope it helps but the fact that it is needed upsets me.

[ampm]

4. Totally agree

`At least they recognize the problem that's gone unanswered for decades

[LeftInTX]

5. Hopefully it has practical issues also. Silver Alert addresses issues of the elderly. (Forgetfulness, health issues )

It may address unique terrain, environment, where last seen etc, which allows for quicker response etc. Many areas are sparsely populated, which may give the perp an upper hand, hence a more rapid response is needed.

[electric_blue68]

7. Very pertainent factors. I've been out in the high desert of The Navajo, and Hopi Nations...

Beautiful desert lands, but yes, a lot of sparse areas.

[proud patriot]

6. You are not forgotten