New Alert System Will Notify Oklahomans When Adults Are Critically Missing

A new alert system that will notify the public of critically missing adults will be going into effect today. 

A critical missing adult is a person between the ages of 18 and 59 whose whereabouts are unknown and who is believed to be abducted.

It is named after Kasey Russell, a Cherokee Nation Citizen who went missing in 2016.

The Kasey Alert will operate just like an Amber or Silver Alert but will be issued out to all law enforcement agencies across the state instead of being kept in tribal jurisdiction.

"This means a lot to the family of Kasey Russell that his name being put to this bill means that his legacy as a Cherokee citizen will go on for as long as this bill goes on," S.P.I.R.I.T. Cofounder Brenda Golden said.

Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, said this legislation represents a collaborative effort to address the critical need for improved coordination and rapid response when individuals go missing.

"First, I would like to thank the grassroots efforts of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women organization, tribal programs, loved ones and their families who raised awareness, advocated for change, and educated the public," Luttrell said. "This achievement results from their commitment to aiding victims of violence and the missing."

Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa, served as the Senate author for the bill.

"While I hope it is rare we have to use this alert system, I am pleased that we will have a faster notification and response when adults in our state are missing," Rogers said. "Agency cooperation and more efficient investigations were another goal of ours as we worked on this legislation, and it going into effect will help more Oklahoma families find answers and get justice."

The public alert will include facts about the person and the situation around the disappearance and include information on how to contact tribal authorities in cases involving Native Americans.