AMBER Alert

In the USA and Canada, an AMBER Alert is a notification to the general public, by various media outlets, that a confirmed abduction of a child has happened. AMBER is an acronym for "America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response," and was named for 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was abducted and murdered in Arlington, Texas in 1996.

Related Topics:
USA - Canada - Abduction - Acronym - Amber Hagerman - Arlington, Texas - 1996

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AMBER Alerts are distributed via commercial radio, broadcast television, e-mail, electronic traffic-condition signs, and wireless device SMS text messages. The decision to declare an AMBER Alert is made by the police organization investigating the abduction. Public information in an AMBER Alert usually consists of the name and description of the abductee, a description of the suspected abductor, and a description and license plate number of the abductor's vehicle (if available).

Related Topics:
Radio - Television - E-mail - Electronic traffic-condition signs - SMS text messages - Police - License plate

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Although each regional AMBER Alert sets the criteria for activation, most alerts follow the following guidelines:

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• The missing child is 17 years of age or younger and the law enforcement agency believes the child has been abducted.
• The agency believes the missing child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death.
• A law enforcement investigation has taken place that verified the abduction or eliminated alternative explanations.
• Sufficient information is available to disseminate to the public that could assist in locating the child, suspect, and/or the suspect's vehicle.
 
AMBER Alert: History ►