New Green Alert will help find missing, at-risk veterans

Alert is similar to two alerts already in place in Indiana

STATEHOUSE (April 25, 2024) – A new public notification similar to Indiana's Amber Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans thanks to efforts supported by local lawmakers.

A new law passed during the 2024 legislative session will create a Green Alert to notify the public that a veteran or military service member is reported missing and believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves. The alert will function similarly to the state's successful Amber Alert for missing children and Silver Alert for missing seniors. 

"Active-duty members and veterans face unique challenges related to their service and are at higher risk of suicide than the general public," said State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon), a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "If one of these heroes goes missing, Indiana Green Alert will be a great tool for families and law enforcement to collect information from the public and locate them faster."

"Unfortunately, data has shown that many service members suffer from mental health disorders, like PTSD, and an early, accurate notification is vitally important to locating them and returning them home safely," said State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville). "By notifying the public, media and first responders that one of these heroes is missing and at-risk, we could have a better opportunity to save a life and reunite families."

A Green Alert could be issued by the Indiana State Police for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members and reservists within 48 hours of the individual being reported missing. Like other alerts, the notification will include a description and last known location of the individual and if they are considered at-risk to themselves or others.

"Our veterans sacrifice so much while in the service and sometimes they come home and fight a different battle," said State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville). "Mental health struggles, especially right after their service ends, are far too common. We want them to know they're not alone, we will search for them and provide help."

"These heroes do not need to face their struggles alone. We want them to know that we care, and we won't leave them behind," said State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown). "Having a missing persons alert system specifically for veterans and active-duty members can bring more attention and resources forward to aid in the search efforts, which could ultimately save lives."
 

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Indiana's veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average. In 2021, nearly 140 Hoosier veterans died by suicide and over 6,000 died nationwide.

For 24/7, confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 then press one or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in Veteran Affairs benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.

"We owe so much to our military members, and the Green Alert will enable us to deploy search teams more quickly and provide assistance when they need help the most," said State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison). "We also want to raise awareness about the unique circumstances that our current and former service members face, so more people recognize the signs of someone struggling and reach out for help."

"This public notification system, following the success of Indiana's Amber Alert and Silver Alert, can help bring missing current and former service members home sooner," said State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown). "It's an all-hands on deck approach as the public can be on alert and share information with first responders that could help make all the difference in their safe return."

House Enrolled Act 1021 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives and Senate, and received support from the Military/Veterans Coalition of Indiana, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of Indiana.