When a statewide alert pinged Arizonans’ phones in late July—complete with loud emergency tones and bold “Turquoise Alert” messaging—many residents were caught off guard. Was this a mistake? A glitch? A new kind of Amber Alert?
It turns out, it was something new.
The Turquoise Alert is Arizona’s latest tool in the search for missing people—one that quietly launched this year and was activated for the first time on July 23. And unlike the well-known Amber Alert, which only applies to children in confirmed abduction cases, this new alert is designed to fill the gaps—especially in cases where foul play is suspected but doesn’t meet the strict criteria for other systems.
Here’s what you need to know about the alert’s origins, how it works, and why it might just help save lives.
What is a Turquoise Alert used for?
The Turquoise Alert was created under Emily’s Law, named for 14‑year‑old Emily Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe whose tragic disappearance sparked calls for broader emergency notification tools in Arizona. Her body was eventually found along a stretch of U.S. 60 about 19 miles north of Globe, Arizona.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s website, unlike an Amber Alert—which is used for confirmed child abductions—the Turquoise Alert is designed for missing individuals under age 65 whose disappearance is suspicious, potentially dangerous, and not the result of a runaway situation. It also allows public alerts when local search efforts have been exhausted and community awareness might help.
How the first activation played out
On the night of July 12, six-year-old Violet Coultas‑Benson traveled from Hawaii with her non‑custodial mother, Sarah, arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Authorities later learned that Sarah had violated a court order—prompting concern and investigation.
Arizona activated the Turquoise Alert on July 23, triggering statewide push notifications, digital billboards, and emergency broadcast messages. Within hours, tips poured in—over 30 potential sightings across the state—helping law enforcement locate the pair. By 1 a.m. on July 24, Violet was found safe at a women’s shelter in Cottonwood, and Sarah was taken into custody.
Why It Stands Out from Other Alerts
Scope: Amber Alerts focus on children under 18; Turquoise covers missing people up to age 65 who may be endangered in suspicious circumstances.
Reach: Alerts go out via Wireless Emergency Alerts on phones, social media posts, DPS website, and freeway signs handled by the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Purpose: It was intentionally broadened during the legislative process—so while it was originally proposed for missing Indigenous individuals, the final version applies to anyone meeting the criteria under Emily’s Law.
The debut of the Turquoise Alert isn’t just about one missing child—it’s about recognizing the need for faster, more flexible tools when lives are on the line. By expanding who qualifies for urgent public alerts, Arizona is acknowledging what many families have long argued: not every disappearance fits neatly into a box. And now, with the Turquoise Alert in place, those critical early hours might actually make the difference between a safe return and a tragic outcome.