ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
25.07.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Over Ten Years of Success with Amber Alert

Author: Ray Eddings Author Ranking Bronze | Posted: 13-05-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 19 | Rating:  (189) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

In 1996, 9-year-old Amber Hagerman of Arlington, Texas was kidnapped, raped and murdered. Her killer has never been caught. After the crime, citizens learned that local law enforcement had information that might have helped locate her shortly after the abduction, but officials had no systematic way to distribute it.

From this horrible crime was born the Amber Alert, a notification system that originated with media outlets and law enforcement in Texas, and that has spread throughout the nation. Today, all 50 states have established their own Amber Alert plans. In just ten years (since its official launch in July 1997), at least 333 abducted children have been brought home safely thanks to the program.

The system works by utilizing the same emergency broadcast networks that are used to alert the public about severe weather conditions. A description of the missing child and the alleged abductor and his/her vehicle are aired in order to instantly alert the public to be on the lookout while the crime is still in progress. Besides airing over radio and television, the alerts about the missing child also appear on state highway signs and screens of lottery machines.

When law enforcement is notified of an abducted child, they must first determine if the case meets the criteria to issue an Amber Alert. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children suggests three criteria that should be met before activating an Amber Alert:

- law enforcement confirms a child has been abducted
- law enforcement believes the circumstances surrounding the abduction indicate that the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death
- there is enough descriptive information about the child, the abductor, and/or the vehicle in which they are traveling to conclude that an immediate broadcast alert will help.

The information will then be faxed to radio and T.V. stations designated as primary stations under the Emergency Alert System (EAS). It is important that these criteria are met before issuing an alert so that the public does not become desensitized to the alerts by hearing a large number of them. Many child abductions, for instance, are committed by family members involved in a custody dispute, and such cases would not qualify for an alert since there is usually no reason to fear that the child is in danger of bodily harm.

Unfortunately, some e-mail hoaxes have been perpetrated relating to the Amber Alert and missing children. Information about a missing child might end up forwarded to inboxes; it is important to note that this has no relation to a true Amber Alert, which is distributed through radio and television only.

Similar programs exist in Canada and England. England's program is called the Child Rescue Alert. Sussex was the first county in England to launch the program, in November 2002. The requirements are similar to the American system. In the U.S., a few states have different names besides Amber Alert for their systems. In Georgia, it is known as Levi's Call, in Hawaii it is a Maile Amber Alert, and in Arkansas it is the Morgan Nick Amber Alert.

Although law enforcement continues to work through issues with false alarms, hoaxes, and cases that don't meet the criteria being issued as alerts, the success stories speak for themselves as to the value of the Amber Alert program. Mara Downes can testify to that on April 24, 2006, she was grabbed from her lawn just after getting off her school bus. Three teenagers hoping to collect a ransom threw her in the trunk of a Toyota Camry, and left the car parked with her in the trunk, intending to return the next day.

A woman who had seen the Amber Alert report looked out her window and saw a Camry matching the description of the one in the alert, and notified police, who discovered and freed Mara. This occurred in Ramapo, New York, and was one of only three Amber Alerts issued in the state that year, all of which ended with the safe recovery of the victims.

Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/over-ten-years-of-success-with-amber-alert-413126.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:

For more information on personal safety and first responder equipment, visit Professional Supplies for Less.

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

Digital Signage Can Save Lives
By: David Little | 06/06/2007 | Business
As communicators on digital signage networks or private TV channels, you have the power to make a difference when an emergency situation arises.

From Guard to Guradian
By: Al Bermudez Pereira | 06/06/2007 | Article Writing
As a former prison guard, Al Bermudez Pereira reflects on the lessons he learned at Sing Sing that drove him to make a difference in the lives of inmates--and be a better father to his own sons.

Physical Trauma Injury Article
By: Frank R | 10/06/2007 | Health
Physical is a body altering injury. It can result in secondary complications such as shock, respiratory failure, and death. Being prepared and knowing a couple of steps you should follow, may save your life or another person's life.

Is Death Lurking on our Roads?
By: astrid bidanec | 20/08/2007 | Motorcycles
Motorcycle Fatalities Increase Causes Concern, Investigation

What is a Fracture?
By: Frank R | 02/07/2007 | Health
This article describes different types of fractures, first aid kits, and things you should do in case of a fracture.

Hispanics Behind Bars: Justice Vs. Discrimination
By: Al Bermudez Pereira | 27/08/2007 | National, State, Local
Sing Sing State Prison: One Day, One Lifetime, The recently published book by local resident Al Pereira, touches the reader with it’s sensitive approach and unveiled information about the prison system, cases of corruption, and the asymmetrical treatment received by minorities.

Justice? Or Just A Crime? You Be The Judge
By: Susan Murphy-milano | 04/11/2005 | Law
In the news, across the county,Law Enforcement are committing acts of violence in their own homes. Where is the Justice Department?

Maxpedition Fatboy Vesipak: a Fresh Review
By: 2 the Hilt | 29/09/2007 | Travel
One of the most popular items in the extensive Maxpedition catalog is the Fatboy Versipak. This standard size sling bag certainly has a lot going for it, and for many it has proven to be the ideal EDC (every day carry) bag.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a police job with a oth discharge for ...
By: modella67 | 02-07-2008
Can you get a police job with a oth discharge for awol from the Army 23 years ago now that I have been successful in civilian life to include having worked as an EMT and just graduating a police academy and state officer exam?

When is the next court officer exam? how do I ...
By: shepperdgrant | 30-06-2008
when is the next court officer exam? how do I obtain a copy of thelast exam and mybe a few practice exams

I'm a writer, and doing research on the nation's ...
By: Gene L. Gillette | 29-06-2008
I'm a writer, and doing research on the nation's  first woman Marshal. I'm interested in all the background information I can get. All I have is her Last name, 'Couzins.'I  will incorporate relevant text into the story I'm writing so please don't send any copyrighted material.Thank you for your generous help.SincerelyGene L. Gilletteglg3331@aol.com

Irate Co-Worker
By: ctrakme | 11-05-2008
If you worked in a bank setting as a law enforcement officer and you had and irate employee, how would you handle the situation?

Would love to know!!!
By: tominchicoca | 04-05-2008
is there a way to tell if someone is working for the cops as a ci *confidential informant" or not? 

Does anyone know what VPHC stands for on a ticket ...
By: zamarel | 28-04-2008
Does anyone know what VPHC stands for on a ticket? Says charges are VPHC and no op,which is no licence. But dont know what other stands for.

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Technology Articles

What Would A Computer Be Without Hardware?
By: Thomas Pretty | 25/07/2008
A look at some of the most popular hardware components available on the market today.

Software; Without It Nothing Would Work
By: Thomas Pretty | 25/07/2008
A review of the best software for a variety of purposes including media management and surfing the web.

Printers; Far Removed From The Dot Matrixes Of Old
By: Thomas Pretty | 25/07/2008
A review of some of the printers available on the market today.

Next Gen Consoles; Who Wins?
By: Thomas Pretty | 25/07/2008
A review of the three next generation consoles available on the market today.

Finding Used Video Game Systems Made Easy
By: Chris Jensen | 25/07/2008
Video games and gaming systems are growing ever popular with the youthful generation. The children have fun playing them and parents are going to limits to make their children happy.

Cell Phone Sim Card Insider
By: Chris Jensen | 25/07/2008
The most advanced of the phones today is iphone. People really like it.

The Importance Of PVC Pipe And Fittings To The World
By: Thomas Pretty | 24/07/2008
A look at the development of PVC and how the pipe and fittings used today in the construction industry have revolutionised the way water systems are built.

Finding The Best Cellphone Accessories
By: Jerry Glynn | 24/07/2008
This article offers advice on how to select the right cell phone accessories.

More from Ray Eddings

An Offer in Compromise - It Could Be Your Answer
By: Ray Eddings | 11/05/2008 | Taxes
We have all heard the claims of being able to settle tax debts for "pennies on the dollar". It sounds great, but does it really work? it can be a real lifesaver for those who qualify but it is not for everyone.

Maintaining a Good Credit Score
By: Ray Eddings | 08/04/2008 | Credit
It is important to monitor and maintain your credit score.

Audit Triggers - How Does the IRS Decide Who To Audit?
By: Ray Eddings | 03/04/2008 | Taxes
Know what grabs the the attention of IRS audit agents.

Cultivating Basil - Growing and Caring for Fresh Basil
By: Ray Eddings | 03/04/2008 | Gardening
Few herbs demonstrate the difference between fresh and dried as distinctly as basil. This and the ease with which basil can be grown even under the poorest of circumstances make it the perfect herb to plant in your garden.

The Free Annual Credit Report and Its Importance
By: Ray Eddings | 20/03/2008 | Credit
It is important that you keep watch over your personal credit report. Here's why the free annual credit report is important.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below