Amber alert is a system created by the government to find and save abducted children. Let’s explore how Amber alert works and its history.

Amber Alert?

Amber alert is something you might have seen almost every second day on your phone, laptop or even in the news. An Amber alert or alternatively styled AMBER alert is a kind of emergency alert. 

The child abduction alert system distributes this alert to ask the public for help in finding abducted children. 

In the United States, alerts are distributed via public and commercial radio stations, satellite radio, internet radio, text messages, television stations, and other platforms. These alerts are also issued via electronic traffic-condition signs, email, wireless devices and commercial electronic billboards. 

Recent Amber alert?

The most recent Amber alert was issued on April 3, 2024, for a missing 23-month-old boy last seen in north Harris County. Armani Cummings, the missing boy, was last seen wearing a black shirt and black pants. 

According to the Texas Center, Armani maybe with an adult person with a white 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo bearing Texas License number plate TSY9686. 

More details regarding the missing boy are not available for now. If anyone has any information regarding the missing boy, please contact the Harris County Precinct 6 Constables Office at 713-274-3400. 

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How does Amber Alert work?

Amber alert works by issuing alerts through all its connected platforms. It distributes alerts through public and commercial radio stations, email, phone texting, news channels, etc. Once the alert is spread, general people have an idea about a missing child and some basic information. 

Once someone gets information regarding the child, they will provide the given numbers. 

History of Amber Alerts

According to the official website of the United States Government Department of Justice, this emergency messaging system began in 1996. The idea to create something for abducted children came from an unpleasant accident. A 9-year-old child, Amber Hagerman, was kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington. Authorities tried their best to find the child, but unfortunately, the girl was murdered soon after. It was when Dallas-Fort Worth broadcasters collaborated with local police to creat an early warning system to help find abducted children. 

Soon, the idea was adopted by the entire nation, and other states created their own AMBER plans to save children. 

Criteria for issuing AMBER alerts

The AMBER alert criteria may vary from state to state, based on states’ own alert plans. As per the PROTECT Act 2003, certain standards for issuing AMBER alerts are the same. 

The basic criteria include; 

• There must be enough belief by law enforcement agency that an abduction has occurred. 
• There must be enough descriptive information regarding the abducted child. 
• The law and enforcement agency believes that the victim is in danger of serious bodily injury or death. 
• The missing child must be 17 years or younger. 
• Critical information regarding the child, like their name, has been entered into the National Crime Information Center.

For more information, please visit the official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

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