The AMBER Alert was begun in 1996 to honor 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, a murder victim in Arlington, Texas.  Area residents called radio stations suggesting they broadcast alerts to help prevent this type of tragedy in the future. 

The Dallas/Fort Worth broadcasters agreed and set up the AMBER Plan, a voluntary program between law enforcement agencies and broadcasters whereby the community is immediately made aware that a child has been abducted.

How Does It Work? 

Three criteria must be met before the AMBER Alert is set in motion: 

• Law enforcement confirms a child has been abducted.

• Law enforcement believes the child is in danger of bodily harm or death.

• There is enough information about the victim, abductor and vehicle (if used) that will make an AMBER Alert helpful.

Once these conditions are met, the descriptive information, including photos wherever possible, is immediately faxed to area Emergency Broadcast System primary radio stations.  The primary radio stations send out this information to participating stations, and it is then broadcast to millions.  Television, likewise, spreads the word by way of a “crawl” alert across the bottom of the screen. 

49 modified versions of the AMBER Alert, include messages on e-mails, beepers and electronic road signs, were adopted by authorities across the nation.  In May 2003, the federal government authorized a national AMBER Alert.

What Should You Do? 

If you hear or see an AMBER Alert, be vigilant in scouring your surroundings for the missing child or suspect.   If you see anyone fitting the descriptions, call the AMBER Alert phone number given and/or authorities with as much information as you can. 

If your community as not yet adopted AMBER Alert, contact your local authorities and let them know you support the program and encourage them to participate because every child is a precious gift. 

For more information about the AMBER Alert, call 1-800-THE-LOST or visit http://www.missingkids.com/html/amberplan.html.

• Amber Alerts can now be sent direct to you wireless devices.  You can get Amber Alerts for individual states, multiple states or the entire US. Canadian Amber Alerts are also available.  Sign up is available at  http://codeamber.org/get_wireless.html?nl