An AMBER Alert is a public notification system used in the United States to broadcast information about serious child abduction cases. The goal is to quickly involve the community in the search for and safe recovery of an abducted child. AMBER Alerts are disseminated through various channels, including radio, television, road signs, cellphones, and other data-enabled devices.
How AMBER Alerts Work:
- Activation: Law enforcement agencies issue an AMBER Alert when a child has been abducted, is under 18 years old, may be in danger of serious bodily harm or death, and there is sufficient descriptive information about the child, abductor, or suspect’s vehicle to assist in recovery.
- Distribution: Once activated, the alert is broadcast through various media channels, including radio, television, electronic billboards, and wireless emergency alerts on mobile devices.
- Public Action: Members of the public who observe a child, vehicle, or activity matching the alert’s description are encouraged to call the provided contact number or dial 9-1-1, providing authorities with as much information as possible.
AMBER Alert:
The AMBER Alert system is a cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and broadcasters. When an alert is issued, area radio and television stations interrupt programming to broadcast information about the missing child and the suspected abductor using the Emergency Alert System. The goal is to rapidly involve the community in the search for and safe return of abducted children.
Recent Developments:
- TikTok Integration: TikTok has partnered with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to display AMBER Alerts within users’ For You feeds. This feature aims to inform users about missing children in their vicinity, providing photos, descriptions, and an option to call 911. After a successful pilot in Texas, the feature is expanding across the U.S.
- State Police Operations: State Police have released body camera footage from AMBER Alert pursuits, such as the one on I-5 from April 23, 2024. In this incident, a 1-year-old child was rescued during a multi-state manhunt involving a suspect wanted for double murder.