AMBER Alert Website Gets Update with More Resources for Indian Country
The US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, recently upgraded its AMBER Alert website at https://amberalert.ojp.gov, which now includes access to information on AMBER Alert in Indian Country and the 2018 Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act and resulting initiatives.
Wyoming Legislators Work to Increase Safety for Native Americans
Lawmakers in Wyoming are drafting legislation to address issues involving missing and murdered victims from Indian communities. On October 31, 2019, the Judiciary Committee voted for a bill that would: 1) gather and publish data on missing people with biographical data; 2) require law enforcement agency cooperation; 3) offer training on missing and murdered Indigenous people; and 4) assist the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes if they choose to implement and manage their own AMBER Alert system. Lawmakers are also considering a proposal allowing tribal police to arrest or cite non-Native American offenders.
Navajo Nation Holds Forum for Missing and Murdered Victims
The Missing & Murdered Diné Relatives Working Group hosted a forum November 21–22, 2019, in Gallup, New Mexico. The forum included discussions on the AMBER Alert, justice for Navajo families, and risk factors for the elderly and disabled.