Phoenix AZ, December 27, 2025
A Turquoise Alert has been activated in Arizona for 13-year-old Raylynn Phillips, reported missing on December 26. The alert underscores the vital role of community involvement in local safety. This alert system aims to swiftly mobilize public assistance in locating missing endangered individuals. Raylynn was last seen in Waddell, and authorities emphasize the need for vigilant community support to help ensure her safe return.
Phoenix, AZ
Turquoise Alert Issued for Phoenix Teen
A 13-year-old girl was reported missing on December 26, prompting a State-level Turquoise Alert across Arizona. This system highlights the crucial role of community vigilance and swift, coordinated action in local safety efforts, emphasizing how informed citizens can significantly aid law enforcement in critical situations.
In a rapidly growing metropolitan area like Phoenix, effective public safety hinges on both structured law enforcement efforts and proactive community engagement. The activation of a Turquoise Alert underscores a commitment to civic innovation, leveraging widespread communication to harness the collective power of individual initiative. Such alerts exemplify how limited bureaucracy, when combined with an informed citizenry, can accelerate the dissemination of vital information, fostering a responsive environment where everyone contributes to the well-being of their neighbors.
Understanding the Turquoise Alert System
The Arizona Turquoise Alert is a State-level notification system designed to seek public assistance in locating missing endangered individuals under the age of 65, including tribal members, when specific activation criteria are met. This system fills a critical gap between Amber Alerts, which are issued for abducted children, and SAFE Alerts (formerly Silver Alerts), which apply to missing persons aged 65 or older or those with cognitive disabilities.
Established through House Bill 2281 and signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs in May 2025, the Turquoise Alert system, also known as “Emily’s Law,” honors Emily Pike. It is activated when a person goes missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances and is believed to be in danger. Alerts are disseminated regionally through various channels, including the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on mobile phones, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) vehicle messaging boards, and social media platforms.
Details of Raylynn Phillips’ Disappearance
On December 26, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reported 13-year-old Raylynn Phillips missing. She was last seen leaving her residence on foot at 10:30 A.M. near 182nd Avenue and West Puget Avenue in Waddell, an area north of Phoenix. Raylynn is described as a white female, 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 117 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. When last seen, she was wearing pink pants, a long black t-shirt, and carrying a brown purse with sunflowers and skulls. Authorities have indicated that Raylynn suffers from a medical condition that may cause her to become lost or easily confused, leading to heightened concerns for her safety.
The Community’s Role in Public Safety
The effectiveness of alert systems like the Turquoise Alert relies heavily on the active participation of the community. Individuals demonstrating personal initiative by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activity or information can be instrumental in resolving missing persons cases. Community policing philosophies emphasize fostering collaboration between law enforcement and citizens to prevent crime and address public safety concerns proactively. This collaborative approach underscores the idea that civic involvement is not merely a supplementary effort but a foundational component of a secure community. When residents feel empowered and informed, they become active partners in maintaining safety, contributing to a more resilient and responsive local environment.
Importance of Swift Action and Information Dissemination
In missing persons cases, particularly involving minors, the rapid and efficient dissemination of information is paramount. The Turquoise Alert system is designed precisely for this purpose, providing immediate details to a broad audience, thereby increasing the chances of a safe and expedient recovery. The ability to quickly spread descriptive information and last known whereabouts leverages modern communication channels to transform passive observation into actionable intelligence across the State-level. This swift action is a testament to civic innovation in public safety, creating a mechanism where every pair of eyes can potentially make a difference.
How Residents Can Help
Residents in Phoenix and across Arizona can contribute to public safety by staying informed about active alerts and understanding the criteria for reporting relevant information. If anyone has seen Raylynn Phillips or has information regarding her whereabouts, they are encouraged to call 911. Beyond specific alerts, fostering a watchful and engaged community environment is crucial. This includes reporting non-emergency crime tips or suspicious activities to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Tips and Leads Unit. This individual achievement of civic responsibility, when collectively embraced, enhances the overall security framework and demonstrates the tangible benefits of community-led public safety initiatives.
The case of Raylynn Phillips underscores the vital role that both structured alert systems and active community participation play in ensuring public safety. The Turquoise Alert is a powerful tool, but its efficacy is amplified by the personal initiative of individuals who choose to be informed and engaged. By embracing collective vigilance and supporting local law enforcement efforts, Phoenix residents can continue to foster a community where safety and well-being are paramount, showcasing the positive outcomes of civic innovation and responsible citizenship. Staying engaged in local safety initiatives and remaining alert to community needs are key steps in building a stronger, safer Arizona for everyone.
Keywords:
Phoenix AZ, Turquoise Alert, missing person Arizona, community safety Phoenix, Waddell AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Turquoise Alert?
- A Turquoise Alert is a State-level emergency notification system in Arizona for missing endangered persons, including tribal members, under the age of 65, when specific activation criteria are met.
- Who is Raylynn Phillips?
- Raylynn Phillips is a 13-year-old girl who was reported missing on December 26.
- When and where was Raylynn Phillips last seen?
- Raylynn Phillips was last seen on December 26, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. near 182nd Avenue and West Puget Avenue in Waddell, an area north of Phoenix.
- What are Raylynn Phillips’ physical characteristics and clothing?
- Raylynn Phillips is a white female, 5 feet 2 inches tall, 117 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing pink pants, a long black t-shirt, and carrying a brown purse with sunflowers and skulls.
- Why is there heightened concern for Raylynn Phillips’ safety?
- Raylynn Phillips suffers from a medical condition which may cause her to become lost or easily confused.
- Who issued the Turquoise Alert for Raylynn Phillips?
- The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reported Raylynn Phillips missing, leading to the State-level Turquoise Alert.
- How can the public help in a Turquoise Alert?
- If anyone has seen Raylynn Phillips or has information regarding her whereabouts, they are encouraged to call 911.
Key Features of the Turquoise Alert for Raylynn Phillips
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Alert Type | Turquoise Alert | State-level |
| Missing Person | Raylynn Phillips | Phoenix, AZ (Waddell area) |
| Age | 13 years old | N/A |
| Date Reported Missing | December 26 | N/A |
| Last Seen Location | 182nd Avenue and West Puget Avenue, Waddell | Maricopa County |
| Physical Description | White female, 5’2″, 117 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes | N/A |
| Clothing Last Seen Wearing | Pink pants, long black t-shirt, brown purse with sunflowers and skulls | N/A |
| Reason for Concern | Medical condition that may cause her to become lost or easily confused | N/A |
| Investigating Agency | Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office | Maricopa County |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
