The MEP Event Code is The Change We Have Been Waiting For

Flagstaff, Arizona, July 16, 2024 — Native Public Media (NPM) commends the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its forthcoming vote to adopt a new event code to enhance public safety through the Emergency Alert System. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, in a press release, stated the "Missing and Endangered Persons" (MEP) event code will serve as a vital tool to alert the public about missing and endangered individuals, including those who do not qualify for AMBER Alerts.

The initiative, set to be discussed at the FCC's August Open Meeting, responds to a critical need for broader alerts beyond child abductions, particularly for vulnerable populations such as Native and Indigenous communities. According to Chairwoman Rosenworcel, "Today we move forward with establishing a 'Missing and Endangered Persons' alert code to close this gap. This will help ensure no person who is missing, at risk of being overlooked and in danger is left behind. With this new code, we can save lives."

Sponsored by Native Public Media, the MEP event code will enable law enforcement agencies and alert originators to swiftly mobilize public attention and resources in cases involving missing and endangered individuals who do not meet AMBER Alert criteria but are in urgent need of assistance. The MEP Event Code includes individuals who meet the criteria for Ashanti Alerts, promoting a more coordinated and effective response across jurisdictions.

"The introduction of the MEP event code is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members," said Loris Taylor, President and CEO of Native Public Media. "This initiative is particularly crucial for Tribal communities, where the disproportionate rates of violence and disappearances among Native and Indigenous peoples have long been a concern."

The MEP initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to improve data collection and response protocols under legislation like Savanna's Act, reflecting a commitment to address the alarming rates of missing person cases within Native communities. NPM encourages stakeholders, including Tribal Nations, to continue growing the technological safety net of Indian Country and increasing Tribal Alerting Authorities.

Optimistic about the MEP Event Code's passage in August, Taylor states, "The highest success of the Missing and Endangered Persons Event Code depends in part on Tribal Nations instituting Alerting Authorities for their jurisdictions. The MEP Event Code has the capability to be adopted nationwide. We need everyone on deck during the implementation phase to address a huge caseload. The MEP Event Code is the change we have been waiting for, and it gives us hope."

For more information on Native Public Media's advocacy efforts and updates on the MEP event code initiative, please visit www.nativepublicmedia.org.

About Native Public Media: Native Public Media (NPM) is a national nonprofit organization that serves and supports Native American and Alaska Native public media organizations and stations. NPM advocates for policies and initiatives that promote media access, representation, and sovereignty for Native communities.