STATEHOUSE (April 24, 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 State Reps. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown), Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) and Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville).
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.
"The Green Alert could be gamechanger when it comes to collecting information and being able to locate a missing service member or veteran," Criswell said. "We want our struggling heroes to know that we care about them and will do everything we can to get them the help that they need."
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.
"Far too many of our current and former military members struggle with their mental health when they return home, and we know that their rate of suicide is greater than other populations," Greene said. "By creating a missing persons alert system specifically for them, we can deploy resources faster to find them and hopefully bring them home safely."
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.
"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," Jennifer said. "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."
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.
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.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Henry, Rush, Hancock and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 73,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
