Bismarck, N.D. — The Bismarck Police Department and North Dakota Highway Patrol are raising awareness about updates to the state’s public alert system, including the launch of two new alerts designed to help locate missing endangered adults. The new alerts will take effect on August 1, 2025.
The Feather Alert will be used to notify the public about missing, endangered, or abducted Indigenous adults. The MEP Alert, which stands for Missing Endangered Person, will serve a similar purpose for any missing or abducted adult considered to be at risk.
These additions expand North Dakota’s existing alert system, which currently includes the AMBER Alert for abducted children, the Silver Alert for missing vulnerable individuals, and the Blue Alert, which is used when a law enforcement officer has been seriously injured or killed and a suspect is being sought.
Officials emphasize that these alerts are not intended for cases where individuals voluntarily go missing. Only law enforcement agencies can request the issuance of an alert, and early reporting is crucial.
Authorities urge residents to check their phone settings and ensure emergency alerts are turned on. Acting quickly can be life-saving when it comes to locating missing individuals, and public awareness plays a key role in successful outcomes.
