Indian Country Lands New Missing and Endangered Persons Alert

By Kyler Edsitty, Native Public Media

Washington, D.C., August 7, 2024 – The new Missing and Endangered Persons (MEP) event code has become the nation's twenty-first non-weather alert for the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The Federal Communications Commission approved the MEP Event Code on August 7, 2024, to enhance communication about missing or endangered adults, much like the Amber Alert. This new code will allow Alerting Authorities to send one message through many systems and platforms, including radio, television, and the Internet.

In her opening remarks, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel states, “Today, we create a new code in Emergency Alert Systems for television, radio and wireless phones to help find those missing and endangered persons that fall outside of the criteria for Amber Alerts. The missing and endangered persons or MEP alert code will sound the alarm when people are missing and endangered, help raise awareness, and support recovery. The action we take today, will save lives.”

Loris Taylor, President and CEO of Native Public Media praised the FCC’s vote, stating, "This action is historic. The new MEP event code symbolizes hope and a commitment to leveraging modern communication tools to protect those most at risk and underscores the importance of community involvement in ensuring public safety for Native Americans. With the new MEP event code, our nation's ability to alert the public effectively about missing and endangered persons has become a reality. Our shared values of saving lives have been the north star of our collective efforts."

Tribal citizens have long faced challenges in locating and recovering their loved ones. This new code will bolster early warning capabilities, enabling first responders and the community to collaborate more effectively in rescue and recovery efforts. Native Americans account for a staggering 2.5% of all missing person cases despite making up only 1.2% of the U.S. population, according to the National Crime Information Center. A comprehensive statewide study in Arizona found at least 160 Indigenous women and girls were murdered between 1976 and 2018, and many more killings likely went unreported.

"I commend the FCC commissioners for voting to include the Missing and Endangered Persons Alert Code in the EAS and WEA systems," said Brian Brashier, the Chickasaw Nation's Director of Broadcast Productions. "This action will save countless lives across Indian Country and the nation."

The MEP Event Code introduces standardization across Tribal, State, and local jurisdictions. It will integrate seamlessly across television, radio, and mobile platforms, creating a unified and efficient alert system. This integration will speed up the dissemination of emergency alerts, allowing authorities to reach audiences more promptly while encouraging inter-jurisdictional cooperation. The MEP event code has received widespread support from Tribal leaders and stakeholders, reflecting a collective commitment to improving public safety through more effective communication.

"The MEP implementation will be a multi-agency effort between Tribes and the FCC, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Justice. My gratitude goes out to all these federal agencies, Tribal leaders, Board, staff, and my good friend Al Kenyon," concludes Taylor.

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