In a significant move to address the alarming rates of missing and murdered Indigenous persons (MMIP), Governor Mike Dunleavy has signed Senate Bill 151 into law, marking a pivotal step in the fight against this pressing issue in Alaska. This legislation comes in response to a 2018 report highlighting Alaska as the fourth-highest state for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, with Anchorage ranking third nationwide for such cases.
The complex causes behind these high rates include inadequate law enforcement coverage in rural communities and fragmented jurisdiction among various agencies, such as local police, village safety officers, Alaska state troopers, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A 2021 report by Data for Indigenous Justice revealed that overlapping jurisdictions often lead to a failure in accountability, with law enforcement prioritizing hunting violations over serious crimes like homicide.
Senate Bill 151 introduces several vital measures to enhance the investigation and prevention of MMIP cases:
Creation of the MMIP Review Commission: This nine-member body will review unsolved cases and submit recommendations to the Legislature every three years, ensuring ongoing scrutiny and accountability.
Cultural Competency Training: The law mandates Indigenous cultural training for all new police officers to improve understanding and relations with Indigenous communities.
Resource Assessment: The Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) is required to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of its protective and investigative resources related to MMIP cases.
Timely Reporting: Law enforcement agencies must file missing persons reports to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System database within 60 days of receiving a report.
Kendra Kloster, co-director of law and policy with the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center, emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the legislation. “These ideas arose from conversations with our tribes and communities about the systemic changes needed to address the crisis,” she stated. “This law represents a collaborative effort to identify and close existing gaps in our response.”
In a statement, Governor Dunleavy reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to addressing MMIP cases: “This legislation is a continuation of Alaska’s mission to recognize and solve these cases. We will continue to support law enforcement, victim advocacy groups, and Alaska Native Tribes in this critical work.”
Bill sponsor Senator Donny Olson remarked, “Senate Bill 151 is a crucial step towards healing our communities and ensuring that no family is left without answers. By bringing diverse voices together, we reaffirm that every life matters.”
Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell echoed these sentiments, noting that this law will codify existing initiatives and bolster ongoing efforts to resolve cold case homicides and suspicious missing persons cases involving Alaska Native victims. “Our commitment to this cause remains unwavering,” he said.
While Senate Bill 151 is a monumental achievement, advocates like Kloster stress that more resources are needed, including accessible 911 services and comprehensive trauma support. The journey toward justice and healing for Alaska’s Indigenous communities is ongoing, but this law sets a strong foundation for future progress.
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