|
||||||
How does Wisconsin's Amber Alert Plan work?Amber Alerts must be requested by the law enforcement agency of jurisdiction. The local law enforcement agency has to have reason to believe the child has been abducted. The initiating law enforcement agency contacts the Dane County Public Safety Communication Center (DCPSCC) to request Amber Alert activation. DCPSCC will verify Amber Alert criteria with the reporting/initiating agency. DCPSCC will activate an Amber Alert utilizing the Emergency Alert System (EAS). DCPSCC will post the information on the Amber Alert website:
www.amberalertwisconsin.org. How is Amber Alert information broadcast?When an Amber Alert is activated, Wisconsin radio and television stations interrupt programming to broadcast information about an abducted child using the Emergency Alert System (EAS), which is typically used for alerting the public to severe weather emergencies. Amber Alerts will be broadcast every 30 minutes for the first two
hours, then every hour for the next three hours. Radio and TV
station participation is provided as a public service, without
commercial endorsement. How are highway message board signs used?The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has changeable,
electronic message board signs on specific highways in Wisconsin.
As part of the Amber Alert system, these signs can be used to
transmit information about a confirmed child abduction case. The
signs will only be activated for an incident that meets Amber Alert
criteria. During an Amber Alert, the Dane County Public Safety
Communication Center will contact the Department of Transportation
to request activation of highway message boards if appropriate. What can the public do to help?The public’s role is critical to the success of an Amber Alert. If you witness any child abduction, contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911. If an Amber Alert has been activated, be on the lookout for the child, suspect, and/or vehicle described in the alert. If you locate the child, suspect or vehicle fitting the description, immediately call the telephone number given in the Amber Alert to provide authorities with as much information as possible. Persons who locate an abductor should NEVER take any action other
than to contact law enforcement.
|
||||||
|
|
Home
In
January, 1996, Amber Hagerman was abducted in Arlington, Texas, in
broad daylight with witnesses. Despite intensive police, FBI, and
media involvement, Amber’s body was found four days later, and the
crime has remained unsolved. In her memory, and that of abducted
children nationwide, Texas developed the first Amber Alert Plan to
aid in the recovery of abducted children. Since that time, many
cities and states have developed their own Amber Alert Plans.