Most of us have received an Amber Alert on our phones. When a child goes missing, these alerts are vital in finding them safe and sound. Amber alerts may seem inconsistent, meaning sometimes a case will get one, and other times, no Amber Alert. But why? What are the guidelines for an Amber Alert, and how do we respond when we receive one?
Today we will talk about how and why law enforcement uses Amber Alerts…
The Tragedy That Launched Amber Alerts
Sadly, the beginning of Amber Alerts was borne out of tragedy. In 1996, a little girl named Amber Hagerman went missing while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas. Witnesses reported seeing a man grab her and force her into his vehicle. Unfortunately, Amber was found deceased four days later, despite the efforts of her loving family, community, and dedicated law enforcement officers.
Amber’s story highlighted the need for a cohesive and swift response to missing children cases. This meant finding a way to notify everyone in the area when a child was in imminent danger. The Amber Alert was created in her honor, and to this day it has had a massive impact when a child is abducted. Law enforcement agencies in 50 states use Amber Alerts. In addition, many other countries (31, to be exact) have adopted Amber Alerts to help find missing children!
What Is an Amber Alert?
Law enforcement uses an Amber Alert to notify the community that a child has been abducted. Typically, Amber Alerts contain every descriptive detail that law enforcement chooses to include to help people identify and locate a missing child.
The information in an Amber Alert must be valid, detailed, and helpful to locate the child before their situation escalates. The pressure of an alert like this can encourage the perpetrator to release the child. In some cases, a community member who saw/heard the alert can spot and report the sighting to the authorities who can capture the suspect and save the child.
Information Included in an Amber Alert
Victim Details
- Name, age, gender, ethnicity of the child
- Physical characteristics like weight, height, hair and eye color, complexion color
- Distinguishing characteristics of the child, such as scars or birthmarks
- What the child is wearing
Suspect Details
- Suspect’s full name (if known)
- Age, gender, race of suspect
- Any distinguishing characteristics of the suspect (scars, birthmarks, tattoos, limps, etc)
- What the suspect is wearing
- Description of the suspect’s vehicle (make, year, model, any wear and tear, and any distinguishing features of the vehicle.
Circumstances of the Crime
Location of crime: The location of the abduction.
Time and date: The exact day and time the abduction took place.
Details: The alert will detail if the abduction involved a weapon or a vehicle. And any other details about the abduction that will add a sense of urgency to the public.
In addition, local law enforcement includes their contact information, a tip line, and hotline numbers to call that are available 24/7. Therefore, a tipster can call anytime and from anywhere to report a sighting of a missing child!
When Is an Amber Alert Issued?
The criteria for Amber Alerts are sometimes “murky”. When a child is missing, sometimes people wonder why there wasn’t an Amber Alert. Of course, every missing child deserves attention but some are in greater danger than others. And there can be several reasons for this since law enforcement has a strict policy for these alerts.
Criteria for an Amber Alert
- Confirmation of an abduction: Once law enforcement has confirmation that the child is abducted, then they can issue an Amber Alert.
- Risk to the child: Law enforcement has reason to believe that the child is at risk of being harmed or has been harmed already.
- Details are solid: There must be enough information about the abduction/victim/suspect for an Amber Alert to be issued.
- Child’s age: Children 17 years old and younger are usually the target of Amber Alerts. However, some states will issue an alert for a child who is mentally or physically impaired if they are over 17 years old.
An Amber Alert is issued once these guidelines are met. Amber Alerts are typically issued for parental and stranger abductions, and when human trafficking is suspected.
Unfortunately, cases where the child has runaway and custody disputes usually aren’t considered for these types of alerts, unless it has been proven that the child is in danger. When a child runs away they are at high risk for harm, but since there is no proof that an abduction took place, it’s not considered grounds for an Amber Alert.
How Does An Amber Alert Reach People?
There are a few ways that law enforcement will get the word out when a child is in danger. Amber Alerts are not quiet by any means!
Emergency Alert Systems (EAS): Television, radio, and other emergency alerts are sent out.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): We have all received these alerts at some time, unfortunately. All devices in the area will receive an alert via SMS message detailing the abduction.
Transportation Signs: Electronic billboards in the area will display the Amber Alert’s details.
Social Media & Internet: Law enforcement, radio stations, and news publications use social media to broadcast the alerts.
These are all useful ways to get the word out, hopefully recover the missing child, and return them home safely!
✅ Did You Know?
Over 1,100 children have been safely recovered because of Amber Alerts since the program launched in 1996. (Source: U.S. Department of Justice)
What to Do When You Receive an Amber Alert
Your phone dings loudly into the night. It’s an Amber Alert reporting that a young boy was pulled into a car down the road from you. You’re about to go to work, what do you do?
- Read the alert: Review the alert a few times, and pay close attention to the vehicle description and details about the child. Try to memorize what they are wearing and what they look like.
- Share the alert with loved ones: Forward the message to your friends and family, and tell them to be on the lookout for the suspect and the child. And watch out for anyone following you.
- Keep calm and aware: Stay calm and be sure to look out for the child and suspect. If you spot them, do not approach them, call 911 or the emergency number in your area. Follow the instructions the operator gives you.
- Watch your children: Keep your children under your watchful eye until the Amber Alert is (hopefully) resolved. Do not allow them to walk or play alone in the area until you know it’s safe. Protect your child from harm!
The Influence of Amber Alerts
Thanks to the Amber Alert, since 1996 over 1,100 children are safe today. This life-saving protocol may be hard to understand sometimes, because of its strict guidelines. However, issuing an Amber Alert in a timely manner can save a child in a dire situation.
When you hear these alerts, pay attention to them. If they wake you up, please don’t be angry. These alerts are important to aid in the recovery of a child in danger. A child may never recover from an abduction depending on the outcome, but you will recover from losing sleep.
Be aware, and stay safe!
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