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The Amber Alert Plan is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, and transportation agencies to alert citizens in the event of a child abduction.  Broadcasters use the Emergency Alert Program (EAS) to air a description of the abducted child and suspected abductor.  The goal of the Amber Alert Plan is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe return of the child.

The Amber Alert Plan was created in 1997 as a powerful legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman who was kidnapped and brutally murdered while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas.  The tragedy shocked and outraged the entire community.  Residents contacted radio stations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and suggested they broadcast special alerts over the airways, so they could help prevent such incidents in the future.  What began as a local effort in Dallas, Texas has grown into a seamless system of Amber Alert Programs across the country, each year saving lives.

Once law enforcement has been notified about an abducted child, they must first determine if the case meets the recommended criteria set forth by the U.S. Department of Justice for activating an alert.  Each of the following criteria must be met before an Amber Alert to be activated

   •   There is reasonable belief by law enforcement that an abduction has occurred

    •  The abduction is a child age 17 years or younger, or with a proven mental
        or physical disability

    •  The law enforcement agency believes that child is in danger of serious
        bodily injury or death

If these criteria are met, alert information must be put together for public distribution.  This information may include descriptions and photos of the missing child, the suspected abductor, and a suspected vehicle along with any other information deemed valuable to identifying the child and suspect.

This information is then faxed to radio stations designated as primary stations under the EAS.  The primary stations send the same information to area radio and television stations and cable systems, and participating stations immediately broadcast the information to millions of of listeners.  Radio stations interrupt programming to announce the Alert, and television stations and cable systems run a "crawl" on the on the screen along with a picture of the child.

The Texas Department of Transportation utilizes their electronic highway billboard during an Amber activation.  The billboard typically used to disseminate traffic information to drivers, now alerts the public of abducted children by displaying pertinent information about the child, abductor, or suspected vehicle.

The Amber Alert message encourages the public to look for the missing child or suspect.  You become the eyes and ears of local law enforcement.  In the event you spot a child, adult, or vehicle fitting the Amber Alert description, immediately call the telephone number given in the alert and provide authorities with as much information as you can.

Know your neighbors and your child's friends, including names, addresses and phone numbers.  Know the route your child takes to and from school, friends' homes, and other activities.  Check the references and qualifications of child care centers and babysitters caring for your children.  As your child care center whether criminal background checks are conducted on staff members.

Teach your child what to do if they are approached by a stranger.  Common approaches are:  offering a ride, gift or candy, asking the child to help look for a lost pet, or claiming that the child's  parent asked them to bring the child home.  Listen to your child and do not disregard their fears.  Instead, let them know that you take their fears and concerns seriously.

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