A.M.B.E.R (America’s Missing Broadcast Emergency Response) - Amber Alert

An Amber Alert is a voluntary operational plan that brings the public in to assist law enforcement to aid in the recovery of abducted children through the use of the media broadcast system and other AMBER Alert partners. The Amber Alert plan was named in memory of Amber Hagerman who was abducted and murdered in 1996 from her home in Texas.

How it works

When law enforcement receives and authenticates a report of a child being abducted and it is believed that the child’s life is in danger an alert is issued. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is notified and they interrupt all radio and television programming that is currently being broadcasted in the surrounding area and if needed in surrounding States. A distinctive tone alert will sound followed by "This is an AMBER Alert" and the information that is available about the abducted child, the abductor and any vehicle involved. This Alert will be rebroadcast as often as possible per the guidelines set up by Law Enforcement. The basic operational plan is the same nationwide however there are modified versions that have been adopted at the local, regional and statewide levels.

Purpose

By way of providing quick informational messages that are broadcasted to the public by radios and television, the information is put out to the public in the early and crucial first hours of a child’s abduction. This means that there are now thousands of eyes looking for any signs of the child or abductor. The public is asked to dial 9-1-1 immediately with any sighting or information and to stay on the line until all information is obtained and the call taker releases them.

How you can help

Pay attention when you hear an Amber Alert message – write down the information so that you have it available. If you are traveling by car pay attention to your driving and stay safe, but keep an eye on your surroundings and other cars for any matches to the information given out on the Amber Alert.

Check with the web site for the Amber Alert Portals ( search for - codeamber -) to learn more ways you can help!