What Is AMBER Alert?

The AMBER Alert system is a voluntary partnership between law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, and transportation agencies to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child abduction cases. The goal is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of the child.

AMBER stands for America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. It was created as a legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman who was kidnapped and murdered in Arlington, Texas in 1996.

AMBER Alert Criteria

For an AMBER Alert to be activated in Missouri, the following criteria must be met:

• The child must be 17 years of age or younger

• The child must be in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death

• There must be enough descriptive information about the victim, suspect, or vehicle to believe an alert will help locate the child

• The abduction must be confirmed by law enforcement

• The requesting law enforcement agency must recommend the activation

Activation Process

• An investigating law enforcement agency determines an abduction meets the AMBER Alert criteria

• The agency contacts the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F Headquarters

• MSHP reviews the request and activates the alert if criteria are met

• The alert is distributed through the Emergency Alert System (EAS), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), and other channels

How the Public Is Notified

• Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) messages sent directly to cell phones in the area

• Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts on radio and television

• Missouri Department of Transportation electronic message signs

• Missouri Lottery terminal displays

• Law enforcement agencies notified statewide through MIAC

• Media broadcasts and social media

How You Can Help

• Pay attention to AMBER Alerts when they are issued

• Look for the described child, suspect, and vehicle

• If you see the child, suspect, or vehicle, call 911 immediately

• Do not attempt to approach or follow the suspect

• Sign up for email alerts at www.moalerts.mo.gov

The Cooperative Effort Of

• Missouri Department of Public Safety

• Missouri State Highway Patrol

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

• Missouri Department of Transportation

• Missouri Lottery

• Missouri Broadcasters Association

• Missouri Police Chiefs Association

• Missouri Sheriffs' Association

Contact

Missouri Alert Coordinator, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop F Headquarters

P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102

Email: moalerts@mshp.dps.mo.gov

Phone: (573) 751-3313

Website: www.moalerts.mo.gov