Pursuant to the federal Ashanti Alert Act of 2018, which establishes a voluntary nationwide communication network to aid in the search and recovery of missing persons between the ages of 18 and 64, this Fact Sheet summarizes the features and resources of the National Ashanti Alert Network available from the U.S. Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to encourage, enhance, and integrate Ashanti Alert plans throughout the United States.
The Ashanti Alert Act is named in honor of Ashanti Billie, who was abducted and killed in 2017. Ashanti Alerts provide for rapid dissemination of information to law enforcement agencies, media, and the public about adults who have been reported missing, along with suspect information in cases of suspected abduction. These Alerts can be transmitted through wireless devices and the Emergency Alert System. Alerts may be issued when an adult between the ages of 18 and 64 has been identified as a missing individual and has a proven mental or physical disability, or is missing under circumstances that indicate the person may be in danger, or that the adult's disappearance may not have been voluntary (abduction or kidnapping). BJA's Ashanti Alert resources include technical assistance to states, Indian Tribes, local governments, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders that want to establish or improve an existing Ashanti Alert plan. Contacts are listed for additional information and resources on the National Ashanti Alert Network.