Understanding the Ashanti Alert Act of 2018: A Comprehensive Guide

The Ashanti Alert Act of 2018 is a federal law passed in the United States that aims to provide a more efficient and effective system for locating missing adults. Named after Ashanti Billie, a 19-year-old woman who went missing in 2017, the act seeks to bridge the gap in the existing alert systems for missing persons. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Ashanti Alert Act, its key provisions, and how it can be beneficial in locating missing adults.

Background and Purpose

The Ashanti Alert Act was signed into law on December 31, 2018, as part of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act. The law is designed to provide a national framework for issuing alerts for missing adults, similar to the AMBER Alert system for children. The Ashanti Alert system is specifically tailored to help locate missing adults who are 18-64 years old and are believed to be in imminent danger.

Key Provisions of the Ashanti Alert Act

The Ashanti Alert Act has several key provisions that aim to enhance the response to missing adult cases: Establishment of a National Ashanti Alert System: The law requires the Department of Justice to establish a national Ashanti Alert system, which will provide a standardized framework for issuing alerts for missing adults. Criteria for Issuing an Ashanti Alert: The law sets out specific criteria for issuing an Ashanti Alert, including the requirement that the missing person be 18-64 years old, be in imminent danger, and that the law enforcement agency have sufficient information to disseminate to the public. Coordination with Existing Alert Systems: The Ashanti Alert system will be coordinated with existing alert systems, such as the AMBER Alert and the Silver Alert systems, to ensure a comprehensive response to missing person cases. Public Awareness and Education: The law requires the Department of Justice to conduct public awareness and education campaigns to inform the public about the Ashanti Alert system and its purpose.

Benefits of the Ashanti Alert Act

The Ashanti Alert Act has several benefits, including: Improved Response Times: The Ashanti Alert system will enable law enforcement agencies to quickly disseminate information about missing adults to the public, potentially leading to faster response times and improved outcomes. Increased Public Awareness: The law's public awareness and education campaigns will help to raise awareness about the Ashanti Alert system and the importance of reporting missing person cases. Enhanced Coordination: The Ashanti Alert system will facilitate coordination between law enforcement agencies, reducing the risk of duplication of efforts and improving the overall response to missing person cases. The Ashanti Alert Act of 2018 is a crucial step towards providing a more effective system for locating missing adults. By establishing a national framework for issuing alerts and coordinating with existing alert systems, the law aims to improve response times and outcomes in missing person cases. As the Ashanti Alert system is implemented, it is essential to continue to raise awareness about the importance of reporting missing person cases and the role that the public can play in helping to locate missing adults. Download the PDF of the Ashanti Alert Act to learn more about this important legislation.