Deep Dive: Ebony Alert\
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Overview:\
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The Ebony Alert is a recently implemented alert system, currently available only in California. It was designed to address racial disparities in how missing person cases involving Black youth and young adults are handled. The Ebony Alert focuses on locating missing Black individuals between the ages of 12 and 25, recognizing that their cases may not always receive the same level of attention. The alert is similar to the AMBER Alert but specifically targets missing Black youth and young adults.\
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Criteria for Activation:\
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The Ebony Alert is activated when a Black youth or young adult is missing and considered to be in danger or under suspicious circumstances. The general criteria for activation include:\
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Age Range: The missing person is between 12 and 25 years old.\
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Mental or Physical Disability: The missing person may have a mental or physical disability that increases their risk.\
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Suspicious Circumstances: The disappearance occurred under suspicious or unexplained circumstances.\
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Imminent Danger: The person is believed to be in immediate danger or at risk of harm.\
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Descriptive Information: There is sufficient information available to help locate the individual.\
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Workflow of an Ebony Alert:\
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Reporting and Initial Assessment:\
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Public Reporting: Family members, friends, or witnesses report a missing person to law enforcement through 911, in person at a police station, or other methods.\
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Law Enforcement Assessment: Law enforcement reviews the case to see if it meets the Ebony Alert criteria. This includes confirming the person’s age, any potential danger, and the circumstances of their disappearance.\
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Request for Ebony Alert Activation:\
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Request Submission: If the criteria are met, law enforcement submits a request to activate the Ebony Alert. The request includes details about the missing individual, the circumstances of their disappearance, and any other relevant descriptive information.\
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Review and Approval: The request is reviewed by a state coordinator or an official who determines if the alert criteria are met and approves its activation.\
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Issuance of the Ebony Alert:\
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Alert Activation: Once approved, the alert is activated, and information is quickly disseminated.\
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Dissemination: Alerts are sent through various platforms:\
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Broadcast Media: Alerts are broadcast on radio and television.\
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Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Notifications are sent to mobile devices in the area where the person went missing.\
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Highway Signs: Electronic highway signs display information about the missing individual.\
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Social Media and Digital Platforms: Alerts are shared on social media and other online platforms.\
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Ongoing Investigation and Public Engagement:\
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Public Involvement: The public is encouraged to report any sightings or relevant information by calling 911 or the designated tip line provided in the alert.\
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Law Enforcement Action: Law enforcement continues to investigate leads and coordinate search efforts with the public’s help.\
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Maintaining and Closing the Alert:\
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Updates and Maintenance: The Ebony Alert remains active as long as needed and is updated with new information as it becomes available. Law enforcement works with the state coordinator to ensure the alert remains accurate and relevant.\
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Closure: The alert is deactivated once the missing person is found or when it is determined that the alert is no longer effective. Media and platforms are notified to stop broadcasting the alert.\
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What to Do If an Ebony Alert is Not Activated:\
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If law enforcement does not activate an Ebony Alert despite the situation meeting the criteria, you can advocate for the alert by taking these steps:\
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Request a Detailed Explanation: Ask law enforcement why the Ebony Alert was not activated.\
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Provide Additional Information: Ensure that all relevant details are shared with law enforcement, including any new information about the missing person or suspicious circumstances.\
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Contact Higher Authorities: Request to speak with a supervisor or higher authority if necessary.\
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Reach Out to State Ebony Alert Coordinators: Contact the state's coordinator responsible for managing the Ebony Alert to advocate for its activation.\
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Engage the Media and Community: If an Ebony Alert is not issued, consider reaching out to local media outlets or community organizations to help raise awareness.\
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Seek Support from AIDBIPOC: AIDBIPOC (Association for Intellectually Disabled, Black, Indigenous, and Persons Oppressed by Color) is committed to advocating for equitable responses in missing person cases. They can help raise awareness and provide additional support.\
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Public Interaction:\
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Online Resources: The public can visit state or law enforcement websites for Ebony Alert updates.\
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Social Media: Alerts are often shared widely on social media platforms to quickly spread awareness.\
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In-Person Reporting: Anyone with information can report it at local police stations or by calling the designated tip line.\
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Effectiveness:\
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The Ebony Alert system helps address the racial disparities in missing person cases by focusing on the vulnerabilities faced by Black youth and young adults. Its success depends on rapid public dissemination of information and active participation from law enforcement and the community.\
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Expansion and Adaptation:\
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Currently, the Ebony Alert is only implemented in California. There is ongoing advocacy for expanding the alert to other states to ensure equitable responses in missing person cases for Black youth and young adults.\
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\#EbonyAlert #MissingPersons #PublicSafety #CommunityAction #StayAlert #AIDBIPOC #InclusiveSearch #EquitableJustice #stayinformed
