Native Public Media Provides Law Enforcement Agencies MEP Alert Guidance

By Kyler Edsitty

Ignacio, CO – August 26, 2025 – Native Public Media (NPM) unveiled new Missing and Endangered Persons (MEP) Alert guidelines designed to create consistency across jurisdictions and accelerate recovery efforts for missing individuals. The MEP Alert, modeled after the AMBER Alert, will broadcast critical information about endangered persons over television and radio beginning September 8, 2025.

During a presentation in Ignacio, NPM explained how the guidelines help law enforcement agencies work seamlessly across tribal, state, and federal systems. By using the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), Tribes can now apply to become Alerting Authorities, empowering Tribal jurisdictions to send alerts directly and reducing the delays that have historically cost precious time.

Uniform guidelines mean that no matter which jurisdiction issues the alert, the public will receive clear, accurate, and timely information. Attorney David Adams, who spoke on best practices for handling Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) cases agreed in his presentation that when law enforcement collaborates across tribal and non-tribal lines, it builds the trust needed to solve cases and bring people home safely.

The announcement came as the Colorado Department of Public Safety hosted its Second Annual MMIR Interstate Law Enforcement Collaboration at the Sky Ute Casino Resort. The event, led by Colorado’s Office of the Liaison for MMIR, brought together law enforcement officers, investigators, and advocates from across state and tribal borders.

Speakers emphasized that the MEP Alert works only if agencies cooperate and share responsibility. “The convening was a wonderful opportunity for those of us working in various facets of MMIR to come together, learn from each other, and strengthen our efforts across state borders,” said Melissa McGaw, Investigative Analyst at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. “It’s about gaining knowledge of what we can do better, what we’re getting right, and how we can help each other in this work.”

The gathering highlighted how cultural sensitivity, victim-centered policing, and interjurisdictional partnerships are essential to addressing the MMIR crisis. Uniform MEP guidelines provide a foundation for that cooperation, ensuring that every jurisdiction, whether tribal, local, state, or federal, follows the same playbook when an Indigenous person goes missing.

Although the MMIR crisis is systemic and will take years to resolve, the MEP Alert represents a concrete step toward faster recoveries and stronger partnerships. As Adams underscored, rebuilding trust and communication is difficult work but necessary: “These guidelines give us a chance to work together, consistently and transparently, for the safety of all our communities.”