Phoenix Police are asking the public for help finding Nevaeh Jackson, a 15-year-old girl who is the subject of a public appeal.
The department posted the appeal Thursday on social media. According to Phoenix Police
, anyone who has seen her or has information should call the department's non-emergency line at 602-262-6151 rather than leave tips in social media comments or direct messages, which are not a valid reporting method.
Why So Many Missing-Child Flyers Are Showing Up Lately
If it feels like these appeals have become more frequent across the Phoenix area, that is by design rather than a sign of a sudden local crime wave. Arizona Senate Bill 1416 amended Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-901 to require police agencies to post a missing child's photo and description on official social media within 24 hours of a report, a change intended to speed up public awareness, according to the Arizona Legislature.
The same law requires agencies to submit missing youth records to the Arizona Crime Information Center and the FBI's National Crime Information Center within two hours of a report, and specified information to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System within two hours. For NamUs, all required and available information must also be entered within 30 days. Agencies must also submit specified information to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children within 24 hours, including a recent photograph if available, and make reasonable efforts to obtain one, per the Arizona Legislature. The statute also bars police from labeling a missing child a runaway in public notices unless the agency determines that doing so is necessary to protect the child's safety or further an active investigation.
Not Every Missing Child Case Triggers an AMBER Alert
Arizona's AMBER Alert system has a narrow trigger. The Arizona Department of Public Safety requires proof of an abduction and confirmation that the child faces imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death before issuing an AMBER Alert. Arizona also unveiled a separate Turquoise Alert system in July 2025.
Anyone with information is asked to call 602-262-6151.
