A bill that would establish a task force on missing women and girls who are Black, Indigenous and people of color will soon be established in New York. According to a release from the Governor’s Office, statistics from the FBI’s National Crime Information Center show that of the more than 271,000 missing women and girls reported in 2022, 43 percent were Black, Indigenous or people of color. This task force, which was funded through an appropriation included in the FY24 Enacted Budget, will consider policy changes to address this crisis.
“Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything in my power to protect all New Yorkers,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “The statistics are alarming: thousands of women and girls who are Black, Indigenous or people of color go missing every year. We have a moral obligation to treat these cases with the care and seriousness they deserve, and this new Task Force will be a critical part of that effort.”
The Missing BIPOC Women and Girls Task Force will work to assess the epidemic of missing women and girls, address discrepancies in the care with which these cases are treated, and develop policies to increase community education. The Task Force will have nine members, including representatives of the Office of Family and Children’s Services, the Division of Criminal Justice Services, the New York State Police and members appointed by the Senate and Assembly. Hearings will be required, and the Task Force must submit a report of its findings and recommendations within two years.
