State Amber Alert Plans

State Agencies - Amber Alert Plans

Critical Missing Child Response Program

The Amber Alert is a critical missing child response program that utilizes the resources of law enforcement and media to notify the public when children are kidnapped by predators.

Although the scope of the Amber Alert varies, the criteria for activation are fairly consistent. Whether it is a local, regional or statewide program, law enforcement activates an Amber Alert by notifying broadcast media with relevant identifying and case information when circumstances meets the following criteria:

• The missing child is of a pre-determined age;
• The law enforcement agency believes the child has been kidnapped;
• The agency believes the missing child is under threat of serious bodily harm or death.

The Origin of the Amber Plan

The AMBER Plan had its beginnings in January 13, 1996 as a powerful legacy to 9 year-old Amber Hagerman, a joyfully bright little girl who was kidnapped and brutally murdered while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas.

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