What is an amber alert and how does it work
An Amber Alert is an emergency broadcast system used to quickly inform the public when a child has been abducted and is in danger. The system originated in the United States in 1996 and is named after Amber Rene Hagerman, a young girl who was abducted and later found murdered. When law enforcement determines that a child has been abducted and is in danger of serious harm or death, they issue an Amber Alert to seek the public’s help in locating the missing child.
The alerts are distributed through various channels such as commercial and public radio stations, Internet radio, satellite radio, television stations, text messages, cable TV, electronic traffic-condition signs, commercial electronic billboards, and wireless device SMS text messages. Additionally, the Wireless Emergency Alert program (WEA) delivers Amber Alerts to wireless phones, ensuring widespread dissemination of critical information.The goal of an Amber Alert is to mobilize the community to assist in the search and safe recovery of the missing child. These alerts provide detailed information about the abducted child, the suspected abductor, and any available details about the abductor’s vehicle.
The system relies on a partnership between law enforcement agencies, communities, and various organizations to swiftly disseminate information and engage the public in the search efforts.Overall, the Amber Alert system has been instrumental in rescuing abducted children, with hundreds of successful recoveries attributed to its rapid dissemination of critical information and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community.
How are amber alerts distributed to the public
Amber Alerts are distributed to the public through various channels to quickly disseminate critical information about abducted children and seek assistance from the community in locating them. Here is how Amber Alerts are distributed to the public:
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Amber Alerts are initiated solely by law enforcement agencies. These agencies must follow strict activation criteria before an alert is activated. The agency’s administration must approve the initiation of an Amber Alert.
- Media Outlets: Media outlets play a crucial role in broadcasting Amber Alerts. They are required to have established protocols to receive and broadcast Amber Alerts promptly. Media outlets train their employees on the criteria and steps to follow to broadcast the alert. They also post the Amber Alert on their websites and help educate the public about the Amber Alert system through news stories and public service announcements.
- Wireless Emergency Alert Program (WEA): Since 2013, Amber Alerts are also delivered to wireless phones through the Wireless Emergency Alert program. This program, operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, distributes notifications to capable devices of imminent threats to safety or emergencies. Wireless customers do not incur charges for receiving these messages.
- Secondary Distribution: The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) collaborates with national companies like Google, Facebook, and others for the secondary distribution of Amber Alerts. These alerts are transmitted to employees, customers, or the public in targeted areas identified by zip code within the state that issued the alert.
- Digital Signage and Other Technology: Amber Alerts are displayed on digital signage, hotel chains, internet service providers, apps, and other technology platforms. Organizations like Walgreens, Additech, Gilbarco, and Daktronics use digital signs to display Amber Alerts to reach a wider audience.
By utilizing a combination of law enforcement, media outlets, wireless emergency alerts, secondary distribution partnerships, and digital signage, Amber Alerts are effectively distributed to the public to engage communities in the search for missing and abducted children.