'Green Alert' law passed in Indiana to notify public of missing veterans and military service members

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - The new "Green Alert" law, which passed during the 2024 Indiana legislative session, will notify the public that a veteran or military service member has been reported missing and believed to be at risk of being hurt or hurting themselves.

The alert will function like the state's Amber Alert for missing children and Silver Alert for missing seniors.

The Indiana State Police can issue a Green Alert for veterans, active service members, Indiana National Guard members, and reservists within 48 hours of the person being reported missing.

Like other alerts, notifications will include a description and last known location of the person, and if they're considered at-risk to themselves or others.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports Indiana's veteran suicide rate is higher than the national average.

In 2021, it was reported nearly 140 Indiana veterans died by suicide with over 6,000 veterans dying 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 don't have to be enrolled in Veteran Affairs benefits or healthcare to connect.

Hoosiers can also visit here to join a chat with a VA responder.

The law received support from St. Joseph County legislators.

They include State Rep. Dale DeVon who represents House District 5, which includes a portion of St. Joseph County, State Rep. Jake Teshka who represents House District 7, which includes portions of LaPorte, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties, and State Rep. Tim Wesco, who represents House District 21, which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties.

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.

You can find more info about the Green Alert law here.